20070424 KVDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

to use; they will try to follow the list in the Master Plan, and also introduce some other drought tolerant plants to the Commission to see if they are acceptable. Public Testimony There was no testimony from the general public. Commission Discussion The Commissioners expressed their concern about having the two additional traffic signal lights in such a short distance, and Mr. Niiya stated that they are recommending the signals along Henry Street be interconnected and synchronized, and that they have advised the developer to improve the sight distance from Henry Street by cutting back the hill side, even though that takes away a lot of developable area. In response to the Commissioners’ inquiries about floodwater, Mr. Mukai explained that the 42-inch culvert and drywells will take care of their share and the excess will flow over the designated floodway along Henry Street, and the depth of water will vary due to the variation of elevation. The Commissioners asked the representatives whether they have any thoughts about utilizing a triangular area on the makai side of the parcel, behind the existing Long’s Drug store. Mr. Gushi said the area is currently labeled just as “Open Space” because there is a steep slope. Mr. Chrisman added that they have even thought of an option to sell it to neighbors for residential use. The Commissioners expressed their desire to see a gathering space within the project. In response to the Commissioners’ inquiry, Mr. Gushi said that their estimate of water consumption for irrigation is about 18,000 gallons per day for 3 acres of landscaped area based on the conceptual plan, and added that the establishment period of 90 to 120 days requires about 50% more. With respect to the landscape plan, the Commissioners suggested that (1) the triangular “Open Space” area should be landscaped, (2) plenty of foliage should be planted at the base of single trunk palms to soften the stand-alone look, (3) more canopy trees should be used instead of palms that don’t provide much shade, and (4) more indigenous plants, as well as more colors and scent, such as Hong Kong Orchid, Singapore Plumeria and Tahitian Gardenia, should be considered. Mr. Gushi responded cooperatively to the Commissioners’ comments, adding that they are considering vertical flowering trees like Pink Tecoma to create an alley of trees for the crosswalks and walkways to make them stand out as pedestrian paths, and that they will try to work with local nurseries and see what’s available there. The Commissioners commended the plant photos the applicant provided as part of the information packet. The Commissioners pointed out that the traffic arrangement at the existing Lanihau Center entrance on Palani Road is problematic, and if the proposed development is another phase of the Lanihau Center by the same owner, this should be looked at as an opportunity to improve traffic flow for the entire shopping center. Mr. Eberhardt, who 4