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Daniel L. and Ann M R,oude6usfi <br /> 75'-633 9falewifi Place <br /> 7~ailua-xana, ?fl 96740 <br /> 7e!/ja,~• (808)326 <br /> 2025 <br /> September 19, 1998 <br /> Domnic Yagong <br /> Chairman of Public Works Committee <br /> Sir: - <br /> We have just received a package on the proposed sign ordnance modifications to the County Code <br /> Chapter Three from the Legislative Auditor It includes drafts, history of public hearings, etc. <br /> Several things concern us as to the history of researching the bill, public comments, and the bill's <br /> current draft status. <br /> First off was the County staffs initial input with excess emphasis on enforcement, leagalise and <br /> the like. It was not until public comments came in that there was any mention of esthetics, or the <br /> actual main objective of the bill. I mention this because such bills are often influenced at the last <br /> minute by some staff members comment. In this case any weakening of protecting the beauty of <br /> this island in the name of enforcement problems, for example, would defeat the pu~iose of all who <br /> fought to restore some provision for such protection of our main industry- tourism.. <br /> My second concern is the weakness of the redraft again regarding the stated purpose of the bill. It <br /> is not until we get to pazagraph seven that tourism and protection of the environment to promote <br /> same is mentioned. The paragraph itself is good, it is it's location that detracts. The intent should <br /> be reinforced by including protectionism of the tourism industry in pazagraph one along with <br /> safety and promoting the public welfaze. <br /> My third concern is with variances. The bill should include a provision that the granting of <br /> variances that may impinge on the beauty and attractiveness of Hawaii to visitors is discouraged <br /> and will probably be denied. <br /> I believe these modifications aze necessary to provide more intent to the bill. There are always <br /> possible futte lawsuits and judges have a habit of interpreting intent of any legislation in their <br /> rulings. A clear intent to protect our primary industry rs too weak in the current draft. <br /> In closing I have one specific recommendation. <br /> There is the section on wall signs. How long to we have to put up with Wall Mart, Safeway, and <br /> the Borders massive overbearing big brother advertising? You won't see these in Monterey, <br /> Carmel, or other towns in the US whose livlihood depend on tourism. Any local will know where <br /> these stores are five days after they open. Visitors have access to muliple information booths, <br /> hotel workers, taxi drivers and the like that can give them direction. We don't need these <br /> behemouths and the wall sign proposals should be reduced further. I propose that the GTE sign <br /> facing makai is about right. It can be seen from the road easily, and is unobstrusive enough to <br /> blend in. It is certainly faz smaller than the existing monstositres and what is being proposed to <br /> replace them. <br /> Dan Roudebush <br /> <br /> G~~~~) ~ Ck:nm N& <br /> ;/i . <br /> ,//^iw~ ~ Flle No. NCG 11D V <br /> w`/' ~ Ref. Tor ~ W Q~ <br /> Date SEP 2 2 1998 <br /> <br />