2015-05-05 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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however, would exceed the height allowed by the Sign Code, which provides that the top edge of a wall sign shall not exceed nine feet above the grade or finished floor level or one-half the height of the wall on which it is located, whichever is less. He further noted that despite this restriction the Department of Public Works had permitted wall signs to be mounted higher in some cases in the past, for instance ones on a two-story building between Kuakini Highway and Walua Road. He pointed out that the subject property is a tall warehouse building in the Kailua Industrial Subdivision where, unlike the Kailua Village Core, signage is geared towards motorists rather than pedestrians. He also commented that the location and features of the property posed a visibility challenge to the business owner. The applicant’s representative, Lani Swain, addressed questions from the Commissioners. He said that there was currently a temporary banner displayed on site, which would be removed once the application was approved, and that their directory sign was already mounted, which in his opinion did not stand out as much as it appeared in the photo image attached to the application. He added that there was currently only one other business on the directory sign. In answering Commissioner Andreae’s question as to why the application was after the fact, Mr. Swain said that he had prepared the application package earlier, but that one of the parties was unable to sign the form for a while. Commissioner Broderson, noting the peculiarity of the property, including the topography and the fence that blocks the front view, said that the higher placement of the wall sign was reasonable, and that he had no problem supporting the proposal as submitted. Commissioner Andreae commented that she would prefer to see uniformity in the tenants’ signs on the directory board. Commissioner Roth responded that different designs and business logos on a directory sign would enable instant recognition, which was advantageous in motor vehicle traffic areas for safety reasons. Commissioner Broderson agreed and told his recent experience where he had had difficulty in identifying businesses as he drove in the particular neighborhood. The consensus of the Commission was that uniformity might be encouraged in foot traffic areas, such as the Kailua Village Core along Ali‘i Drive, but safety for motorists should be taken into account in other areas. It was moved by Commissioner Andreae and seconded by Commissioner Broderson that the Commission recommend to the Public Works Director the approval of the proposed sign permit application as submitted, with a condition that the existing banner sign be removed upon issuance of the requested sign permit. There was no discussion on the motion. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with seven ayes (Andreae, Broderson, Akina, Au Hoy, Kern, Roth and Sullenberger) and one absent and excused (Bleck). ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS – None. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Childs announced that the next meeting scheduled for May 19, 2015 was cancelled owing to a lack of applications. 2