HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0042.050 2002-2004 JuneB_2004 ~~i O~ ~~u,I JUI'~ f;i"'! ^y
To: CDUUty Council of Hawaii ~OU~. i
From: Wetter Kunitake
Couatry Samurai Coffee Co.
Re: Sign Code
ARer reviewing the revised sign code for the County of llawaii addressed at the County
Council Committee meeting on June 1, 2W4, I cannot support the passage of Draft #4 of the
revised code as currently written. After returning 10 Kona from the Jtme 1" meeting, l and
several others had sometime tc review the revised cede in gxrater depth than we had prior to the
June 1"maeting.
We arc concerned shout many of the issues wntained in the revised code that cannot br
easily addressed for Council action given the short time remaining for the meetings scheduled on
June 16'" and ]uly 8'". Many of the issues will require participation from many segments of the
community groups affected by the sign code. 'T'his will require hearings scheduled beyond the
dates mentioned above. Therefore, l am requesting that hearings be set to allow for more public
input.
The following arc areas which 1 feel wi{l require further attention itt the revised code itt
otitier to provide equity, be more enforceable, be more supportive of small businesses, and to
ensure clarity in understanding the code.
? On the issue of equity, all businesses: large or small: businesses selling products,
providing services, or selling real estate; and businesses throughout all locations
on the Island should be treated egttitably.
? It appears that stores such as Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Costco, Homc Depot, amd
other such large chain stores have signs larger than allowed in the revised
code.
? Real asters businesses appear to have preferential treatmerrt in the existing
and revised sign codes
? The Kailua Village Core which encompasses a very small area on the
island of Hawaii has the most restrictions on allowed signs. Further, the
Kailua Village Design District is also more restrictive as compared to the
rest of the island of Hawaii in terms of signs allowed.
? Un the issue of enforceability, the current iiawaii County Sign Code is not
enforceable on an island-wide basis given the resources available. The revised
code is oven less enforceable due to stricter and less reasonable requirements.
? In the existing and the revised nodes, and especially in the revised code, the
restrictions are somewhat anti-small business.
? After reading and rereading the revised sign code, many parts still remain difficult
to understand and unclear in its applicability,
Please call me at 1-808-938-3b24 if you have any questions regarding my comments.
y z.sd
Comm. No.
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