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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-07 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes KAILUA VILLAGE DESIGN COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAI`I MINUTES Meeting Date: February 7, 2023 Time: 3:03 p.m. Location: Live-stream online meeting, with the West Hawaii Civic Center, Planning Department Conference Room, Building E, 2nd Floor, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, as the in-person meeting site CALL TO ORDER Commissioners present via Zoom: Shaun Roth, Alayna Kilkuskie, Jasmine Crusat, Palani Greenwell, and Arne Werchick Absent and excused: Ann Kern Office of the Corporation Counsel: Suzanna Tiapula, Esq. (Attorney for the Commission) Planning Department: Deanne Bugado (Planner), Rosalind Newlon (Planner), and Noriko Sauer(Commission Secretary) Applicant/Representative via Zoom: Aaron Spielman and Sandor Shapery (Item 1) Public member in person: JC Hunziker A quorum was present. Chairman Roth called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. Chairman Roth reminded the Commissioners to keep their cameras on. Commissioner Greenwell made a disclosure that his draftsperson was nearby [but not participating in the meeting]. Chairman Roth introduced the Commissioners and explained the Commission's duties and meeting procedure. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the Meeting of December 13, 2022. At 3:05 p.m. Chairman Roth asked if there were any corrections to the minutes. No corrections were offered, and the minutes were approved as circulated. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS At 3:06 p.m. Chairman Roth confirmed with staff that there were no statements from the public. 1 NEW BUSINESS 1. PL-KVD-2022-000028: The applicant, Aaron J. Spielman, architect of Nanea Studios Inc., is requesting design review for the renovation and upgrade of an existing hotel complex (former Kona Bay Hotel) located at TMK 7-5-007:004. The project includes the rebranding of the hotel as a Hampton Inn by Hilton to meet current market demands. The proposed project will not increase the current number of hotel units/key rooms (123). The exterior alterations include the addition of an elevator with penthouse equipment enclosure on the fourth floor, adding approximately 10 feet to the height. Other improvements include new roofs, stucco finish over existing concrete, wood canopies, new panels at balcony railings, wood and metal railings, replace exterior lighting with low wattage LED type lighting, new Tiki torch lighting, existing lava rock masonry and grout to be cleaned. The exterior colors selected reflect earth tones in the gray and brown range. Applicant: Aaron J. Spielman of Nanea Studios Inc. Landowner: 12th & "A" Hotel Partners L.P. TMK: (3) 7-5-007:004 Location: 75-5747 AIN Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 The Commission took up this item at 3:06 p.m. Ms. Newlon gave a PowerPoint presentation on the application. She said that the subject property is within the Special Management Area("SMA"), and that the owner obtained an SMA Assessment from the Planning Department for their renovation work in May 2022. She noted that the application indicated that the project consists of 123 rooms, but that her research showed that there were 122 rooms, originally constructed in 1963, with more structures added in 1966 and 1979; she said that this discrepancy would be clarified during the subsequent Plan Approval process. She mentioned that the owner intended to rebrand the hotel as Hampton Inn by the Hilton to meet the current market demand. She displayed the materials board and color chart showing the proposed earthtone scheme, such as shades of gray, brown, rust, and amber colors, and lava rock walls, as well as the leaf motif pattern of balcony railing panels. She also showed a site plan indicating the locations of tiki torch-type lighting fixtures and noted that the applicant would have to comply with Chapter 14 of the County Code regarding outdoor lighting. She displayed conceptual pictures that the applicant provided later and therefore were not part of the application package that the Commissioners had received; they depicted what the lobby area, the dining area in the pavilion, and the pool area would look like. When asked by Chairman Roth if the building would still be within the height limit even with the additional 10 feet for the elevator equipment, Ms. Newlon confirmed that elevator equipment is allowed to go above the height limit up to 10 feet; therefore, the proposal was in compliance. There being no further questions of staff from the Commissioners, Chairman Roth called upon the applicant. Mr. Aaron Spielman introduced himself as the architect for the project and also introduced the owner, Mr. Sandor Shapery, who was present via telephone audio. Mr. Spielman 2 Kailua Village Design Commission February 7,2023,Meeting Minutes acknowledged the room count discrepancy and said that he would look into it. He also acknowledged the earlier statement by Ms. Newlon about the additional height allowance for screening the elevator equipment. He said that the existing fire stairwell in the middle of the mauka-facing side of the building would be relocated, and that that would become the core for the elevator to improve accessibility. He noted that the some of the work items listed in the aforementioned SMA Assessment letter, such as the putting green, were initially considered but not presented at this time, and that their signage proposal would be submitted for review later. He acknowledged the County Code Chapter 14 regarding outdoor lighting and displayed a photograph of the proposed tiki torch lamp; he explained that the owner had invented the tiki torch simulation light with an LED component, which would not burn the traditionally used propane fuel and would be safer and more energy efficient and provide a wayfinding and ambience as well. He said that it would also go with the concept of the hotel, which is affectionately known as Uncle Billy's by all, and that his team was very happy to be part of this project to reinvigorate the downtown Kailua Village district. Mr. Spielman tried to provide the Commission with a video of the operation of the tiki torch lamp, but the video failed to play due to computer issues. Upon being asked by Chairman Roth, Mr. Spielman described it further that the lamp inside the polycarbonate cylinder simulates the idea of a tiki torch, with the amber orange color and a flickering pattern to the light, and is wired with low voltage electricity, and that the lower wattage amber color gives more of glow than the brightness of the ordinary white LED light. There being no further questions of the applicant from the Commissioners, Chairman Roth opened the floor for comments. He said that the proposal seemed to be a very tasteful and responsible renovation and upgrade to the facility, including more accessibility and energy efficiency, and seemed to him a great project for the Kailua Village. Commissioner Werchick commented in agreement that the proposal was an excellent presentation, and that it would be nice to see this property upgraded and returned to the community. It was moved by Commissioner Werchick and seconded by Commissioner Crusat that the Commission approve the application as presented. There being no discussion on the motion, a roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried with five ayes (Werchick, Crusat, Greenwell, Kilkuskie, and Roth), and one absent and excused (Kern). ANNOUNCEMENTS Next meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 21, 2023. Chairman Roth introduced this agenda item at 3:29 p.m. Ms. Newlon said that there would be no meeting on February 21, 2023, and that the next meeting would tentatively be on March 7, 2023. Chairman Roth thanked the Commissioners for attending and getting the business done. He reminded them to encourage those who would be good members to apply to serve on the Commission. 3 Kailua Village Design Commission February 7,2023,Meeting Minutes ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Roth adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Noriko Sauer, Secretary ATTEST: Shaun Roth, Chairman Kailua Village Design Commission 4 Kailua Village Design Commission February 7,2023,Meeting Minutes