2012-12-18 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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In response to Mr. Wong’s statement that the applicant was open to suggestion on different exterior colors, there was a discussion that led to a consensus that the Commission would prefer colors that would match the nearby structures, such as the shades of grays on the Harley Davidson building on immediately mauka or the earth-tone green and beige on the new American Savings Bank building across the intersection, to the proposed white walls and blue roof. The group also exchanged suggestions for particular species of plants. Mr. Wong pointed out that they would rather avoid shady trees because of droppings on cars. He also clarified that their proposal was to keep enough concrete base to display one car and landscape the rest of the front corner area. Commissioner Broderson commented that while it was understandable that the applicant would want to maintain the border planting low to be able to show their cars, appropriate spacing of plants was important to provide a continuous foliage screen upon maturity. Upon Mr. Wong’s comment that the applicant would hire a professional landscaper to finalize the plan and oversee the landscaping, Commissioner Herbert made a motion that the Commission defer its decision and ask the applicant to return with a more detailed landscaping plan. Mr. Childs noted that the Zoning Code requires the Commission to forward its recommendation to the Planning Director within 30 days of its receipt of an application, and that the Commission would not meet the requirement, if they were to defer their decision today. Commissioner Herbert amended his motion to state that the Commission approve the proposed building renovations, with a recommendation that the landscaping plan be improved. Mr. Mark suggested that the Commission forward more specific directions to the Planning Director for her staff’s reference during their review process. Upon further discussion, Commissioner Herbert withdrew his motion on the table, and made a new motion; it was moved that the Commission recommend the Planning Director’s approval of the proposed project, with the following recommendations: 1.The color of the building walls and roof be complementary to those of the adjoining or facing buildings; 2.Landscaping with several medium height plants or trees be installed next to the building, such as near its corners, to visually break up the building mass; 3.The perimeter of the site, except for the functioning driveways, be planted with tropical plantings, such as native white hibiscus, Tahitian gardenia and Queen Emma spider lily, together with palms, such as the proposed Alexander palm variety; and, 4.Plant specimens be of sufficient size to provide a visible effect upon installation, and that the perimeter plantings be spaced appropriately to establish and maintain a continuous planting screen upon maturity. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Burns. Commissioners, mentioning that the Commission represents the Kailua-Kona community, noted the significance of the subject site as one of the principal gateway entrances into historic Kailua Village, and expressed appreciation for the applicant’s willingness to restore lost landscaping features and install further improvements, both in additional plantings and building coloration, which would benefit the community as well as the business facility’s street-front appearance. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with five ayes (Herbert, Burns, Andreae, Au Hoy and Broderson) and two absent and excused (Kitchens and Stanbro). 3