2012-05-08 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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The applicant’s representative, Calvin Matsuoka, said that the land was being engineered and a flood zone survey was being done, and that the applicant was hoping no major changes to the current plan would be necessary. In response to Commissioner Andreae’s question, Mr. Child said that if the application for Plan Approval were to be substantially different from what was being reviewed by the Commission, the applicant would be required to submit the revised plan to the Commission for its consideration. It was moved by Commissioner Hetherington, and seconded by Commissioner Herbert, to recommend the Planning Director’s approval of the proposed project as presented. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with seven ayes (Hetherington, Herbert, Andreae, Au Hoy, Burns, Saito and Stanbro) and no noes. 2. Design Review of a proposed financial services office building for American Savings Bank. Applicant: Next Design LLC. Land Owners: Lanihau Properties, LLC. Property Tax Map Key No.: 7-5-005:061. Location: 75-5644 Palani Road, at the west (makai-Kohala) corner of Kuakini Highway and Palani Road (the location of the former Chevron gas station). Mr. Childs oriented the Commissioners regarding the subject and surrounding properties on the location map and site plan, and described the proposed development. He said that while not fully meeting the goal of a pedestrian-oriented building frontage, the project appeared to comply with the architectural design guidelines; however, he emphasized that the site was one of the gateway parcels of the Kailua Village and therefore deserved careful consideration of landscaping and building design. In response to Commissioner Andreae’s inquiry about the exit driveway onto Kuakini Highway, Mr. Childs explained that the Department of Public Works Engineering Division had indicated that it was too close to the Palani Road-Kuakini Highway intersection to be permitted, and that the applicant had been advised of this but had not revised the plan for purposes of this Commission review. The applicant’s representative, Stanford Lee of Next Design LLC, introduced himself. Also present were Brent Yoshitake of Next Design LLC, Rodney Lee of Maryl, and Ronald Dobashi of American Savings Bank. Commissioner Au Hoy complimented the applicant on the landscaping plan and the overall choice of plants; however, she opined that the architectural design, though nice, would not enhance the historical aspect of the area where Kailua Village’s historic sites, such as Ahu‘ena Heiau, Hulihe‘e Palace and Moku‘aikaua Church, are in a close proximity, and said that she wished to see a more historical feel. She also expressed her disapproval of the chain-link fence proposed to be installed at the property line adjacent to the hotel parcel, replacing the existing fence located approximately ten feet inside the property line. Commissioner Stanbro thanked the applicant for planning to landscape the property corner facing the Palani Road-Kuakini Highway intersection, in lieu of putting in more parking stalls. She inquired whether bench-like features could be provided under the trees along the sidewalk for pedestrians to enjoy. Mr. Stanford Lee responded that that could create a liability issue from the property owner’s point of view. Mr. Dobashi also responded saying that they would have to review the idea. Commissioners discussed how to improve the building appearance, especially the large window panels and the roofing style, as well as landscaping and fencing, and reached a consensus on 2