2017-11-21 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

Home

Commissioner Roth stated that the goals for architectural designs and public spaces, listed in the written presentation are appropriate, however, these goals are not carried out in the design. The project is mostly inward facing and does not take into consideration the goal of connecting to the residents of Kailua-Kona. The design does not meet the spirit of the “Kona Way of Life”. The project does not seem like a village since the scale in out of proportion in that the entrances are too large and not of human scale. Also, the two (2) story buildings do not indicate any roof overhang and the smaller buildings are out of scale with their large roofs. At this time Commissioner Roth read a letter from Commissioner John Hetherington with comments concerning this submittal into record. Commissioner Hetherington’s greatest concern was the flat roofs on the largest buildings with no visible roofing such as mansards around the perimeter of the flat roofing. This is not consistent with the Kailua-Kona Master Plan from 1994. Commissioner Van Pernis moved to accept the letter into record and Commissioner Sullenberger seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous by the Commission. .A copy of Commissioner Hetherington’s letter is attached to these minutes. Commissioner Crusat commented that there were no plans/designs for the proposed lighting for the project and also expressed concern of how the proposed plans are geared to the pedestrian. Commissioner Sullenberger also asked for clarification on the status of the project and questioned the location and space or square footage of the gathering tower as a place to have functions – he also expressed concern over the lack of plans/design elements for back of the buildings that face roadways/walkways/pedestrians. He also expressed that he would like to see more articulation of the plans towards being a village center. Commissioner Roth also commented of this lack of integration of these plans with the rest of the village – a specific point made was that the project let the letter and function of the requirements but not the spirit. Mr. Ng, architect, indicated that the trellis was to help break up the large scale of the buildings, but are not continuous along the walkway. Commissioner Roth said this is also a problem as the scale of the large building continues to dominate the pedestrian walkway where the trellis is missing Linda Schatz commented that they are trying to balance the design and function with budgetary restraints. Commissioner Kern said that the design criteria stated in the drawings shows good intentions, however, the design does not show execution of these criteria. Commissioner Kern further stated that she sees the research that was made into the Kona District/Area but that the plans need to reflect this better. Commissioner Roth also noted that the spaces as designed are not effective for public use. Also the bus stop is not safe since it is proposed adjacent to the large gasoline filling facility location. Commissioner Van Pernis also expressed concern over the location of the bus stop and the gas station. 3