HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWPRC 015 03/15/2011 2010-2012 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
DATE: March 15, 2011 Re: Comm. No. 119 /Res. No. 45 -11
PLACE: Council Chambers
West Hawai`i Civic Center
74 -5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A
Kona, Hawai`i
TIME: 1:33 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation, to which was referred
Resolution No. 45 -11, reports as follows:
Resolution 45 -11, transmitted by Public Works Director Warren H. W. Lee, via
Communication No. 119, dated January 26, 2011, requests the granting of a variance from
Chapter 3, Section 3 -58 (a)(5)(B) and 3 -58 (c), Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as
amended) to allow one wall sign on 75 -1000 Henry Street Building fronting the Queen
Ka`ahumanu Highway, TMK number (3) 7 -5- 004:058 (zoned CG -20).
Mr. Bud Norwood, principal broker for Coldwell Banker Maryl Realty and applicant for the
variance, made a statement about the need for the variance and was available to answer
questions. He related that he has been in the process of applying for a sign variance for the past
three years and pointed out that without a sign his business is invisible; the approval of this
variance will help his business tremendously. Mr. Norwood explained that the size proposed is
as small as it can be to still be visibe to the public, adding that signs are important for any
business. Mr. Norwood also commented that the boundary line for the Kailua Village Design
District, requiring a sign variance, runs through the building his business is in. If that could be
addressed, he might not need the variance at all.
Ms. Ford commented that the "billboard" look is what the County is trying to avoid. She further
explained that the first thing visitors on cruise ships see is the "Lowes" sign and that's not the
impression the County wants to express. She also found the former sign on the building for
Borders objectionable. Ms. Ford requested the applicant bring a depiction of what the legally
permitted sign looks like in comparison to the proposed sign to the next Council meeting.
Mr. Pilago stated that he was inclined to adhere to the Sign code. He also commented that this
item would be forwarded to the Council no matter what action is taken in Committee.
Ms. Smart asked why the applicant had waited so long to get a sign variance. Mr. Norwood
replied that he has been trying to get the variance for three years. Ms. Smart asked if the
applicant had a backup plan in the event that his application was not approved, and Mr. Norwood
PWPRC Report No. 15
PWPRC -15 Page 2 Comm. 119/ Res. 45 -11
replied he can think of no alternative other than moving his business. Ms. Smart also requested
the applicant bring a depiction of the requested sign with a frontal view, rather than at an angle,
as currently being shown, to the Council meeting.
Mr. Yagong commented about the importance of signage to businesses and requested members
of the Committee to support local businesses for the sake of the economy. He suggested his
colleagues weigh the facts of this application and consider if the sign will be intrusive or
unreasonable. He added that Wal -Mart, Target, and several other businesses in the area have
much bigger signs, and to not allow this request would be unreasonable.
Ms. Smart voted "kanalua" twice.
Your Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation is not in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution No. 45 -11, and forwards it to Council with a negative recommendation.
bl
AYES NOES A &E EX Respectfully submitted,
BLAS X
FORD x COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS &
HOFFMANN x PARKS AND RECREATION
ONISHI IKEDA X
X
PILAGO X !
SMART x FRED BLAS, CHAIR
YAGONG X PWPRC REPORT NO. 15
YOSHIMOTO x ADOPTED: APR 0 6 2011