2017-10-03 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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Landowner: Lili‘uokalani Trust Estates TMK: (3) 7-4-010: 005 Location: No street address has been assigned. The Commission took up this item at 5:37 p.m. Mr. Dunlap displayed some site photographs, and gave a PowerPoint presentation of the applicant’s submittal. He noted that although the parking layout was not included in this proposal before the Commission, the plan showed tandem parking, and that the functionality of that arrangement would be assessed during Plan Approval process. He also noted that neither landscaping nor signage was included in this application. Upon inquiry by Commissioner Van Pernis, Mr. Dunlap said that he was not aware of any yellow buildings in the Kailua Village special district. The applicant, James Melrose, presented additional information. He also responded to Commissioner Van Pernis’ earlier question to Mr. Dunlap about other yellow buildings in Kailua Village, saying that the nearby Kona Brewing restaurant building was in brighter golden yellow. He then clarified that the proposed yellow was from the Benjamin Moore Historical Color Collection palette, which was consistent with the design guidelines of the Master Plan for Kailua-Kona. He displayed a Benjamin Moore Historical Color Collection paint chip showing three different shades of yellow, including the proposed one. With respect to the parking, he stated that there was sufficient number of stalls as existed, but that the condition was in disrepair and the lighting was unsafe. He also acknowledged that a sign permit application would be submitted later. He added that there were some development happenings in the area, and that the proposal was a way to also bring life to this building. There was a further discussion on the yellow color proposed for the columns, with reference to a comment letter submitted by Lili‘uokalani Trust, the landowner, stating that “the color yellow symbolized royalty in Hawai‘i, and was directly associated with Queen Lili‘uokalani.” Commissioner Van Pernis noted that the letter spoke of the yellow bird feathers that was used for cloaks of ali‘i in old times, which in his opinion did not provide meaning of the yellow color proposed for the project in question. In response to Commissioner Van Pernis’ question, Mr. Melrose stated that the use of yellow was not required by Lili‘uokalani Trust, and that yellow color itself did not identify Lili‘uokalani Trust. Commissioner Kern commented that a subtler yellow might flow better with the other colors. Commissioner Ching said that he would also like to see the other proposed dark colors lightened to create more of a tropical feel. Mr. Melrose noted that the building would look different than the rendering with the mature and colorful landscaping. He also mentioned that the building was currently blending into the background, and that the dark color would bring it out, which would aid the effort to move away from using colorful tenant signs to attract passers-by. Commissioner Ikeuchi expressed her support for the proposed yellow. Commissioner Van Pernis, however, suggested that a subtler and less bright yellow be considered. Mr. Melrose responded that the color was not presented true on the distributed copies, and that he was confident that the color from the Historical Color Collection palette would work well. Commissioner Kern commented that the brightness of the yellow would wash out along with the other colors, and it would probably look fine. Commissioner Roth pointed out that a lighter yellow would look like faded paint, and said that based on the paint chip, 3