2012-09-11 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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design was so as to keep the second-floor windows of the existing building unblocked and meet fire code requirements, that the proposed high-quality metal siding was for durability, and that in the opinion of the applicant and the landowner, Hawai‘i Electric Light Company (HELCO), the design and colors as proposed would blend in with the existing building. He said, however, that if the Commission so desired, canopy-type projections could be added over the new windows to break up the façade. Commissioner Hetherington suggested adding a parapet over the façade for a roof-like appearance. The Chair said that alternatively rooftop landscaping could be considered. Mr. Fleming responded that they would be willing to put in additional landscaping in the front area, rather than change the structural design because of HELCO’s time schedule. Commissioner Stanbro commented that it was evident from the appearance of the subject site, as well as HELCO’s other properties, that they do not maintain their landscaping very well. She suggested that some potted plants, which might be easier to maintain, would soften the hard look of the proposed structure. Commissioner Burns observed that the contrast between this structure as proposed and an attractive new building right across Kaiwi Street would be striking. Mr. Richard Hill from HELCO stated that their main objective of this project was to better serve their customers by expanding the waiting area, rather than improve the appearance of the building, and as such, having a clean, functional look by which customers can easily recognize where to go to pay their bills was more important to them. He also expressed his concurrence that they could increase foliage in order to improve the whole appearance. There was a discussion on how strictly the design guidelines should be applied to properties within the industrial area. Commissioner Burns said that special consideration should be given to the functionality of the building in a case of industrial use, and that landscaping could be used to compensate deficiencies in the design, if any. The Chair opined that the subject section of the Kailua Industrial Subdivision is included in the special district based on the community’s desire to improve the appearance of the area, and so the effort has to start at some point. Mr. Hill commented that although they were not against the design guidelines, they had spent a lot of time to come up with what was being presented. In response the Chair emphasized his opinion that the appearance of a shipping container was not acceptable. Mr. Hill further commented that while they were not fond of the flat roof either, having the roofline over the second-floor windows would go against the functional clean look that they desired. Commissioner Burns pointed out that the proposed structure is an addition to the existing building, which does have a pitched roof. However, the Chair reiterated that it would still look like a shipping container next to the existing building, and suggested that eyebrow roofing on the three sides might improve the appearance. Mr. Hill in turn suggested some mature shrubbery be used to frame the building instead of potted plants as suggested earlier. Mr. Fleming mentioned that their original design had included some lava rocks on the front wall surface, and offered an option to add lava rock wainscot along with landscaping. Commissioner Hetherington suggested that a horizontal band along the roofline be considered in addition. Concerning Agenda Item No. 3, Commissioner Broderson noted that the proposed warehouse would considerably be taller than any buildings in the vicinity, and that it would be visible from Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway. He made a suggestion that some drought-tolerant trees, such as palms, should be planted to screen the view. It was then moved by Commissioner Hetherington to recommend approval of the proposed warehouse building, with a recommendation that additional 3