2013-09-03 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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It was moved by Commissioner Kitchens, and seconded by Commissioner Stanbro, to send to the Public Works Director a recommendation for approval of the sign permit application as submitted. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with five ayes (Kitchens, Stanbro, Andreae, Au Hoy and Broderson) and three absent and excused (Akina, Bleck and Burns). 2. Design review of a proposed expansion of former “Starbucks” coffee shop for “Kona Coffee and Tea Company,” including new deck, trellises, expanded interior floor area, and decorative flags. Applicant: The Kona Coffee and Tea Company. Land Owner: Pres-Kona Coast LP and Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust. TMK: 7-4-015:001. Located at 74-5586 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, fronting Palani Road in the Kona Coast Shopping Center (next to Wendy’s restaurant). Mr. Childs oriented the Commission of the subject and surrounding properties on site photographs, and described the proposed expansion of existing coffee shop building. He mentioned that the bay windows shown on the south elevation, i.e. along Palani Road, had already been installed under a previously approved building permit, and that also the shop front exterior wall facing the parking lot had been painted in the proposed colors. He said that although no landscaping plans were included in the application, the applicant had stated that two palms would have to be relocated slightly to either side of the proposed deck, and that the deck foundation would be screened by lauae fern or similar. He also commented that the applicant had not proposed any signage, but that the drawing depicted vertical banner flags, which might be regulated as signage under the Sign Code. He concluded his presentation by saying that with careful execution of a landscaping plan, the proposed project could be very complementary to the desired look for Kailua Village. The applicant’s representative, Malia Bolton, gave additional information on their proposal, and said that they wished to create a gathering place for the community. Regarding the landscaping, she stated that they wanted to enhance a country feel by planting red and green ti along Palani Road, and that while there might be some plants inside the bay windows, there would be no vines growing on the trellises so as to preserve the openness. Commissioners Au Hoy and Broderson suggested that the applicant consider fragrant plants, such as plumeria and gardenia, which would be beneficial to the open-air seating. Commissioners Stanbro and Kitchens spoke in favor of the proposed changes, including the bay windows and the choice of colors. In response to the Commissioners’ questions, Ms. Bolton said that the proposed plank decking would not be painted but sanded for a rustic look, and that they had not selected a color for the deck foundation. Commissioner Kitchens suggested using a darker earthy color to draw attention to the structure above. The Chair also made a suggestion that some planting be done in that area, such as colorful ti plants continuing from the road frontage. Ms. Bolton also informed the Commission that exterior lighting would be on the trellises shining down during their evening hours, that they would be serving locally produced healthy food items, and that the proposed vertical flags were not intended for advertisement but for seasonal decoration much like the flags that go up in the Kailua Village Business Improvement District. It was moved by Commissioner Kitchens, and seconded by Commissioner Au Hoy, to send to the Planning Director a recommendation for approval of this project as submitted, with the color and planting suggestions made by the Commission. Following further discussion, Commissioner Kitchens amended his motion to specify recommendations: 1.That all of the lower exterior surfaces of the building, from foundation up to and including the railings, but not including the decking, be painted in a relatively dark earth-tone color similar to Kingsport Gray, HC-86, in the Benjamin Moore historical color series; and 2