2014-05-06 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

Home

Minutes of May 6, 2014 Meeting of the Kailua Village Design Commission Page 2 of 5 Mr. Childs then displayed several photographs showing the location of the proposed third wall sign on the mauka building wall, and explained several possible reasons for the applicant’s requested location, i.e., to provide business identification to traffic on both Henry Street and Alahou Street, the latter street expected by the County to eventually become a connector road with Lono Kona Subdivision to the south. He explained the building grade being approximate ten feet lower than the entry driveway above, and the presence of a four foot rock wall demarcating that grade change, was the likely reason for the requested third sign being proposed for mounting approximately 18 feet above building ground level, versus at the 9 foot height limit set in the Sign Code. He also noted that the second proposed sign (and one of the two signs already installed), which faces Henry Street over an outside patio-type dining area, is partially obscured by both on-site street trees and the operator’s umbrellas in the outside dining area; he opined that the resulting limited visibility of this second sign may have further motivated the business operator to seek more visible signage for traffic uphill (mauka) of the restaurant building. Commissioners questioned staff and the applicant’s representative, Mark Lo, Jr. of John Allen Sign Company, as to the size of the lettering and illumination, and further explanation and justification for the need and high mounting position of the third (mauka-facing) sign. It was confirmed that all signs provided lettering no higher than nine inches, in compliance with the Sign Code, and that the size variance request was entirely to accommodate the business operator’s desire to include a 28 inch high logo (“Jack” inside of a 28” high geometric red shape). Commissioners also sought clarification from Planning Department staff on the number of signs installed and permitted now, and that DPW would permit, for the other businesses (Starbucks, Aloha Gas, Island Mart convenience store) on the subject 2.4 acre parcel. Commissioners noted that several businesses on this site had three signs now, and recognized the difficulties in attaining business visibility along this street. Staff noted that the entire parcel fronts three streets (Kuakini, Henry and Alahou Streets), but had no information as to whether DPW would permit three signs as a matter of right for all buildings on that one parcel. Motion: It was moved by Commissioner Kitchens, and seconded by Commissioner Andreae, 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, Andreae, Au Hoy, Hetherington and Broderson) and four absent and excused (as listed above). Commissioners also informally requested the applicant to remove the unpermitted banners now installed on the building.