2013-11-19 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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to base her vote on the design aspect alone just because that was the purview of this Commission. The Commissioners were all in agreement that the nine-inch maximum letter height was appropriate in the area of the Kailua Village special design district where the limitation already applied, and that certain criteria for hardship and public safety would have to be met, even if such variances were to be issued administratively, so as not to allow unwarranted oversize signs. It was moved by Commissioner Burns and seconded by Commissioner Andreae that the Commission request the Public Works Director to initiate a Sign Code amendment that would authorize the Public Works Director to grant administrative variances for the area of signs in the Kailua Village special design district, which would allow businesses to have a sign area large enough to have nine-inch high letters stating the complete name of their business, if the Public Works Director finds, after review and recommendation of the Commission has been obtained, that the variance (i) accommodates a hardship for the business due to the length of its business name; and (ii) identifies and meets concerns for public health, safety and welfare, particularly as to visibility and ease of business identification in the interest of safe movements of pedestrian and vehicular traffic of all types. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with five ayes (Burns, Andreae, Au Hoy, Kitchens and Stanbro) and three absent and excused (Akina, Bleck and Broderson). The Chair directed the Commissioners’ attention to his email submittal regarding his suggested discussion points, which was distributed to each member by staff. The discussion among the Commissioners and staff included the following areas:  How the Kona Community Development Plan and the new planning concept of “Smart Growth” might affect the Kailua Village Special District and the Commission’s role.  According to the County Code, the Kailua Village Special District boundaries are due for the County Council’s review for possible amendment next year. It is the right time for the Commission to look into the matter and make recommendation to the County Council.  What projects should actually be subject to the Commission’s review and recommendation. For instance, re-painting of exterior walls, which might significantly affect the Kailua Village, is not required to go through the review process, while sign permit applications that are already deemed compliant are routinely reviewed by the Commission. Also, none of the projects done by the Kailua Village Business Improvement District are submitted to the Commission. The Chair, noting that his term as a commissioner would officially expire at the end of the year, expressed his willingness to be involved in the work of a committee until his successor was appointed. He encouraged the Commissioners to consider participating in committee work based on their interest and expertise. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Minutes of the Meeting of October 8, 2013. It was moved by Commissioner Kitchens and seconded by Commissioner Burns that the minutes be approved as submitted. The motion was unanimously carried by a voice vote of all Commissioners present. 4