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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0454.018 1996-1998 tY OF M `off.!'„_ , ~k~ JOHN RAY ; Hilo Phone: (808) 961$265 Councilman ~ : ~ Fax: (808) 969-3291 a.,, Waimea Phone: (808) 885-5875 f~rf o'F~H~~' Fax: (808) 885-7189 COUNTY COUNCIL Counfy oJHawaii Hawaii Counfy Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 August 27, 1998 Ms. Kathrin Kohler Waimea Outdoor Circle - P.O. Box 6144 Kamuela, Hawaii 96743 Dear Ms. Kohler: Subject: Bill 280 relating to Hawaii County's Sign Law 1 was very pleased to learn that testimony on this bill was submitted on behalf of the Waimea Outdoor Circle. Although I was unable to attend the committee meeting due to a conflict in my schedule, as you know I have been following this issue since the public input meeting on this issue that was held in Waimea on October 16, 1997. In the statement submitted on behalf of the Waimea Outdoor Circle, Ms. Hazelhoff asked the Council not to approve this measure until it can be revised and reviewed to the point, "where mutual agreement is found between all parties." I write to offer an additional perspective. It is my belief that the single greatest problem with our sign regulation program is simply the lack of enforcement. This problem has multiple causes. Most notable among these is perhaps the lack of personnel to enforce the sign law. Problems with the existing law, including sections that are ambiguous and consequently difficult to enforce, exacerbate this problem. While I share the desire of many in the community to simply "tix the problem," I find that this matter does not lend itself to an immediate resolution. +;uat. Ne. ~ - ~tt IVo.__. tfGC V '_%ef. :o: CDIA?'1L~ ~ P~NMISi rrr; ~ wo s i >9ea August 27, 1998 Page Two The lack of resources that handicaps our enforcement efforts is a problem that goes beyond the sign code. Enforcement for regulatory programs that are arguably of even greater impact on the community than the sign code, such as the County Zoning Code, also have too few enforcement personnel. Given the County's straitened budget situation, the infusion of additional resources seems unlikely at this time. Moreover, attendance at some of the public input meetings on this matter has shown that individuals in the community differ in their opinions regarding significant sign regulation issues. The issue of how many signs should be allowed is an example. While some who spoke at the meetings expressed the belief that there are far too many signs, others stated that they believed that inadequate signage was hurting their businesses during an exceptionally difficult economic period. Bill 280 is a product of these circumstances. The bill attempts to improve the existing law without substantially expanding the regulated area. This is a reflection of the lack of regulatory resources. Further, the bill attempts to stay within the footprint of the existing law. This is a retection of the significant controversy that accompanies many of the proposals to expand or substantially change the County's sign law and moreover the limited time allotted to complete the drafting of the bill. Clearly, issues that have not been addressed in Bill 280 should be considered in future legislation. As for today however, it would be a shame if the improvements contained in this bill are lost because the bill does not resolve all concerns at this time. Please give me a call if you would like to discuss this further. I believe that the Waimea Outdoor Circle has a significant role in this issue and welcome the opportunity to facilitate your contributions to this discussion. Sincerely, John Ray Council Member ce: Carol Hendricks Council Members