2011-08-23 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

Home

The applicants representative, Ryan McKay, stated that the store was also in the process of renovating the interior, and that the applicant believed that the contemporary logo design, which had actually been introduced on the mainland a few years earlier, would enhance the aesthetics of the community. He stressed the poor visibility of the signs due to the store orientation, and gave a slide show to demonstrate the disadvantage. In response to Commissioner Dunlaps question, he said that each letter and the symbol would be internally illuminated, and that as any Wal-Mart stores throughout the nation, the illumination would stay on during business hours, which in this case would mean 24 hours, unless restricted by local law. Commissioners felt that the signs were too large for the Kailua Village Special District, and observed that the makai sign would be clearly noticeable from the vicinity of the Kailua Village Core and perhaps offshore, even though the store itself was outside of the Core boundary. In response, Mr. McKay said that the applicant would consider reducing the size from the proposed 214.43 square feet to 150 square feet, if the Commission unanimously made the recommendation. Commissioners also expressed their concern over potential light pollution. Commissioner Stanbro was especially concerned about the prospect of impacts on views from the ocean. Commissioner Dunlap, pointing out the island-wide effort to minimize the amount of light for the benefit of the observatories atop Mauna Kea, suggested that the applicant explore other ways to illuminate the signs, such as lighting behind the letters that would create a halo effect. Mr. Mark referred the Commission and Mr. McKay to Chapter 14 of the County Code for outdoor lighting regulations. Mr. McKay said that they would consider changing the letter color from white to blue, if so recommended, and that he would appreciate the Commissions favorable recommendation subject to specific conditions, rather than denial, so that they could proceed without returning for another review by the Commission. It was then moved by Commissioner Hetherington, and seconded by Commissioner Burns, to recommend that the Public Works Director forward his favorable recommendation to the County Council of an application for a variance from the Sign Code for the subject sign permit application, subject to the following conditions: The applicants reduction of the area of both proposed wall signs from 214 square feet · each to not exceed 150 square feet each, and The applicants compliance with the provisions of Chapter 14, Article 9 (Outdoor · Lighting), Hawaii County Code. Commissioner Saito emphasized that the Commissions favorable recommendation was for a variance from the Sign Code only and not from the Outdoor Lighting provisions. After further discussion about the blue color option suggested by Mr. McKay, the Commissioners reached a consensus that the proposed white letters with yellow symbol, when illuminated, would have the least effect on the character of Kailua Village Special District. Commissioner Hetherington clarified his motion, that the colors were accepted as presented. With Commissioner Burns agreement, a roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with five ayes (Hetherington, Burns, Dunlap, Saito and Stanbro) and three absent and excused (Au Hoy, Herbert and Power). 2