2017-03-21 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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Applicant: Diamond Resorts Kona II Development, LLC Landowner: DPM Acquisition, LLC TMK: (3) 7-5-018: 011 Location: 75-5868 Ali‘i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Mr. Dunlap displayed site photographs, and described the proposed project with the applicant’s drawings and material samples. He said that the previous owner had been granted a Special Management Area Use Permit in 1998, which was extended until 2019; however, the current proposal was not consistent with the permit, therefore the applicant would have to obtain an amendment or a new Special Management Area Use Permit from the Leeward Planning Commission before they could proceed. He noted that if the applicant were to subsequently change the exterior design, they would have to come back to the Kailua Village Design Commission for its review and recommendation on the new design. He further noted that they would also have to obtain a new Plan Approval, as the previous one had been expired in 2009 and the building layout had since been changed. In response to Commissioner Van Pernis’ questions, Mr. Dunlap stated that the proposal was described as a timeshare project, that the plan indicated to provide 115 parking stalls as required, and that no street parking was proposed. He clarified that the regulations on street parking, including related street signs, were administered by the Department of Public Works (“DPW”). Mr. Steve Herbert introduced himself as a local civil engineer, and said that he had first been involved in the installation of a twelve-inch water line done by the previous owner. He said that the current owner had subsequently asked him to do civil design work for the subject project, including the sidewalks, curbs and the Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, which had all been approved by DPW. He then introduced Messrs. Douglas Abell, Tom Harry and Boe Greene as construction/development consultant for Diamond Resorts International, the project’s architect from HKS Architects and representative from Diamond Resorts International, respectively. Mr. Harry presented additional information and explained the design concept. He said that his challenge had been to place the units on the existing parking structure in a manner that would make the project function properly, look good and fit in the Kailua Village. He said that they were conscious of their public presence and intended to create a lively resort atmosphere. In regard to the materials, he said that they had chosen cementitious products over wood because of their high performance quality, specifically durability and color longevity. Commissioner Van Pernis expressed his concern about traffic impact on Ali‘i Drive, especially by additional cars traveling into and out of the porte cochère. In response to his question as to whether or not any traffic studies had been conducted, the applicant’s representatives answered that there had been some studies done in the past but not specific to the proposed project. Commissioner Van Pernis also asked if the access could be off of Kahakai Road. Mr. Harry responded that that would not be possible without demolishing the existing parking structure, which the applicant considered an asset. He added that Kahakai Road would not be suitable for access as it was a narrow sloping road. Vice Chairman Roth pointed out also that DPW would not allow access right by an intersection. 2