HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0454.022 1996-1998 :y i;'
.,:x.
~J
Waimea Outdoor Circle
September 21, 1998 ' '
Councilman Dominic Yagong
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Councilman Yagong,
On behalf of the board and members of the Waimea Outdoor Circle we want to
comment on your committee's efforts to update and clarify the present sign
ordinance.
As you know the members of the Outdoor Circle statewide are committed to keep
our island home free of unsightly and dangerous signs. Our organization's work to
eliminate billboards and unsightly large signs started after its conception in 1912
and we have continued with our efforts since. Over the years the Waimea Outdoor
Circle has tried to work with the County to bring the many illegal signs in our
community into compliance. Through these efforts we learned of the many
loopholes and weaknesses of our present law.
May 1 point out that a large part of our membership are small business people who
are aware of the importance of good, informative and attractive signage. We all
have visited other thriving business communities around the country and have
learned how strong ordinances can enhance the business environment for all.
The pollution of large unattractive signs, sandwich boards along the roadways and
banners flapping in the wind annoy most everyone, resident and visitors alike. They
take away from the beauty of our island which is one of our most important natural
resources.
We have reviewed both drafts of Bill 280 carefully and in depth. We support
strongly Councilman Curtis Tylers revision of the ordinance. We understand the
draft will be discussed at the Public Works Committee on October 6,1998. The
board of the Waimea Outdoor Circle wants to urge you to support Councilman
Tyler's draft and the major revisions thereof.
Cown+. No. ~
Flle No.
P.O. BOX 6144, KAMUELA, HAWAII 96743-6144 Hef. To:
~,pi r~,ee_
SEP 2 2 t999
Councilman Dominic Yagong
page 2
*The community should be made aware and be educated about
the sign law.
*Permits should be required for all signs, except for certain
small temporary signs, such as real estate signs.
* Nonconforming signs should be brought into compliance within
a specific time limit (3 years).
*Agricultural districts should be kept separate from commercial
districts to eliminate large signs in rural areas.
*Signs should be brought into scale with their location.
*Shopping Center ground signs should be restricted to one
directory listing all businesses in the center.
*Roof signs, sandwich boards, Flashing signs, ariel signs, as well
as large murals, should be prohibited.
*The law ~nut'tbe enforced.
Again, we believe it is good for business and will encourage and attract more
business if our towns and centers have attractive, small signs in appropriate places.
We urge you to support Councilman Tyler's draft and revisions for the benefit of
our entire island community.
Sincerely,
~i
Kathrin G. Kohler Bets Lawrence
President Vice President
cc: Councilman John Ray
Councilman Curtis Tyler
Carol Hendricks, President
The Outdoor Circle 8i all Big Island Branches of
The Outdoor Circle