HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0454.023 1996-1998 Daniel L. and Ann M R,oude6usfi
75'-633 9falewifi Place
7~ailua-xana, ?fl 96740
7e!/ja,~• (808)326
2025
September 19, 1998
Domnic Yagong
Chairman of Public Works Committee
Sir: -
We have just received a package on the proposed sign ordnance modifications to the County Code
Chapter Three from the Legislative Auditor It includes drafts, history of public hearings, etc.
Several things concern us as to the history of researching the bill, public comments, and the bill's
current draft status.
First off was the County staffs initial input with excess emphasis on enforcement, leagalise and
the like. It was not until public comments came in that there was any mention of esthetics, or the
actual main objective of the bill. I mention this because such bills are often influenced at the last
minute by some staff members comment. In this case any weakening of protecting the beauty of
this island in the name of enforcement problems, for example, would defeat the pu~iose of all who
fought to restore some provision for such protection of our main industry- tourism..
My second concern is the weakness of the redraft again regarding the stated purpose of the bill. It
is not until we get to pazagraph seven that tourism and protection of the environment to promote
same is mentioned. The paragraph itself is good, it is it's location that detracts. The intent should
be reinforced by including protectionism of the tourism industry in pazagraph one along with
safety and promoting the public welfaze.
My third concern is with variances. The bill should include a provision that the granting of
variances that may impinge on the beauty and attractiveness of Hawaii to visitors is discouraged
and will probably be denied.
I believe these modifications aze necessary to provide more intent to the bill. There are always
possible futte lawsuits and judges have a habit of interpreting intent of any legislation in their
rulings. A clear intent to protect our primary industry rs too weak in the current draft.
In closing I have one specific recommendation.
There is the section on wall signs. How long to we have to put up with Wall Mart, Safeway, and
the Borders massive overbearing big brother advertising? You won't see these in Monterey,
Carmel, or other towns in the US whose livlihood depend on tourism. Any local will know where
these stores are five days after they open. Visitors have access to muliple information booths,
hotel workers, taxi drivers and the like that can give them direction. We don't need these
behemouths and the wall sign proposals should be reduced further. I propose that the GTE sign
facing makai is about right. It can be seen from the road easily, and is unobstrusive enough to
blend in. It is certainly faz smaller than the existing monstositres and what is being proposed to
replace them.
Dan Roudebush
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Date SEP 2 2 1998