Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 036 09/18/2007 2006-2008 . REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS DATE: September 18, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 658/Res. 329-07 PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa 78-128 Ehukai Street Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 3:40 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred Resolution No. 329-07, reports as follows: Resolution No. 329-07, transmitted by Council Member K. Angel Pilago, dated September 4, 2007, requests the Department of Public Works to consistently enforce the regulations within Chapter 3, the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), relating to signs. The purpose of this resolution is to protect the natural beauty of Hawaii Island; ensure public safety, health and welfare; give fair and equal opportunity to all; reduce visual clutter; and encourage and promote the visitor industry; and for the Director of the Department of Public Works, or designated assistant, to consistently enforce any and all violations of section 3-7(a) of the Code and that fines for violations be aggressively pursued in accordance with section 3- 38(c), of the Code (Administrative enforcement); and that Council recognizes and supports the ongoing efforts of the Department of Public Works and will strongly consider the appropriations of additional funding, if required, to carry out a more aggressive campaign to enforce the regulations within Chapter 3 of the Code. Your Committee heard testimony from four members of the public. The first testifier, Sandra Scarr, President of Kona Outdoor Circle is in support of this resolution. The old and Kaloko industrial areas is filled with sandwich board and signs in violation of the Sign Code. They received many complaints from the public on these illegal signs in their office. It is the Department of Public Work's, Building Division under the County Code that needs to enforce the Sign Code. It was understandable with the October, 2006 earthquake disaster and the unavailable building inspectors to follow up on the complaints. We do not need to be reminded of our court case against the County several years ago, which Judge Ibarra ruled the County to enforce its Sign Code. We are still waiting for the County to enforce its Sign Code. Would like to thank the Council on bringing this before the public and to the attention of its Administration. We ask that you have the building department enforce the Sign Code and help keep Kona and Hawaii County clean, green and beautiful. Theresa Andreae and Sally Marone, committee members of the Kailua Village Design Committee are in support of this resolution. They are also active members of the Kona Outdoor Circle. The last testifier, Elizabeth Meyerson, helped author the Sign Code. The Sign Code should be enforced proactively, equally, and in a timely manner. Many law abiding business owners are upset that others are getting away with there illegal signs. As a Former tour operator and owner, she has heard many negative comments on the unsightly appearance of the real estate signs, banners and sandwich boards from the tourists they serviced. She is in full support of this resolution and perhaps will provide the teeth needed to enforce the Sign Code. Council Member Bob Jacobson thanked Ms. Meyerson for her dedication and hard work. He would also hope that action will be taken on the enforcement by the administration as he shared the public is disgusted and frustrated with these illegal signs and may take matters in their own a hands. Council Member Angel Pilago stated such use of tone earlier from Administration, and expressed the need to follow the rules. He insists that the Public Works Director Bruce McClure, or a designated assistant, consistently enforce any and all violations of section 3-7(a) of the Code and that fines for violations be aggressively pursued in accordance with section 3-38(c), of the Code (Administrative enforcement). This resolution simply calls on the director to do the job he is supposed to do under the Sign Code. Public Works Director Bruce McClure welcomes and is grateful the strong policy statement by the Council. He believes they started down this road and obviously have not done enough. Council Member Bob Jacobson asked Director McClure if there is anything the Council could do to help. As in the past, he discourages passage because enforcement is an issue. He's glad Director McClure accepted this statement. This is not a matter of criticism, it's the Council trying to help support you. Council Member Dominic Yagong fully supports the Sign Code and businesses. His businesses are fortunate that they are in key, visible locations. Some of the businesses along Ali`i drive and their locations are examples. Due to the nooks and crannies of where some of these businesses are, it is virtually impossible for smaller businesses to be seen from the street or store front. He brought this forward as an awareness that how the Sign Code is written, it will affect small businesses. He supports Council Member Pilago and this resolution, for the record I am stating that there will be businesses who will suffer from this. When the enforcement is done by DPW in Hilo or Kona, I believe there will be casualties. He would like to support with strong reservations. Council Chair Pete Hoffman shares the same concerns as Council Member Dominic Yagong; please enforce this. Council Member Stacy Higa questioned Director Bruce McClure on sandwich boards. He is aware that these do create traffic and safety hazards as seen in the industrial area in Hilo. W _ _ Committee Chair Brenda Ford commented on the pictures of several illegal signs taken in Kona. She addressed Director McClure and suggest he check with Chief Mahuna on having the reserve police officers help with this problem. She truly understands our police are overworked and understaffed, and offered this suggestion to the department. Council Member Angel Pilago shared photos which were taken by a constituent. These photos covered the most abusive areas in the Old Industrial and on Ali`i Drive. His recommendations to the Department of Public Works are to concentrate and prioritize the enforcement efforts in this area. For informational purposes, Council Member Dominic Yagong voted "kanalua twice." Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution 329-07, and recommends its adoption. dkr AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted, FORD X HIGA X COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND HOFFMANN X INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS IKEDA X ~G~r~ JACOBSON X NAEOLE X BRENDA J. FORD, CHAIR PILAGO X YAGONG X PWIRCREPORTN0.36 YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: OCT O 3 2001