Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-26 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes KAILUA VILLAGE DESIGN COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I MINUTES MEETING DATE: May 26, 2009 TIME: 5:00 p.m. PLACE: The Mayor’s Office Conference Room, Suite 103 Hanama Place Office Building in Kailua Village ROLL CALL 1.Members Present: Sally Marone, Paul Bleck, Cindy Coats, Fritz Harris-Glade, Ann Kern, Gregory Ogin, David Ross, Jr. and Stephen Herbert (from 5:20 p.m.) 2.Absent and Excused: Fanny Au Hoy 3.Applicants: Eric von Platen Luder, Gregory Mooers and Jak Hu 4.Planning Department: Margaret Masunaga (left at 6:15 p.m.), Bennett Mark, Rosalind Newlon and Noriko Sauer 5.Public: None Chair Marone welcomed those in attendance, and the Commissioners introduced themselves. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS 1.Review of a request to be considered before the next Leeward Planning Commission meeting; an amendment to Shoreline Setback Variance No. 654 and Special Management Area Use Permit No. 396 for Huggo’s Restaurant. The request is for a five-year time extension for Condition No. 3 (Complete Construction). Applicant: Olu Kai, Ltd. Land Owner: Olu Kai, Ltd. and Bishop Trust Estate. The property is located at the intersection of Ali‘i Drive and Kahakai Road, adjacent to the Royal Kona Resort, Kailua, North Kona, Hawai‘i. TMK: 7-5-9:14, 15, 17, and 18. Staff Presentation Ms. Newlon oriented the Commissioners regarding the subject and surrounding properties on the location map and site plan, and gave them some background information. She noted that the Commission approved the design of the subject building in 1999, and that at this time the Commission is requested to provide comments to the 1 Leeward Planning Commission through the Planning Director on this request for a five- year time extension to complete construction. In response to the Commissioners’ inquiries, Ms. Newlon clarified that the reason for this request is because unforeseen economic conditions have delayed progress of the proposed restaurant expansion, and also their financing commitment has been deferred pending an improved economy. Applicant Presentation The applicant’s representative, Eric von Platen Luder, introduced himself as president of Olu Kai, Ltd. At this time Commissioner Harris-Glade stated that he was part of a team who responded to the applicant’s request for proposal for the subject project about a year and a half ago, but currently there is no contract. He then asked Mr. von Platen Luder whether the design will remain the same. Mr. von Platen Luder responded that although the building envelope and height will remain the same, there will be modifications to the previously submitted plan as it was very preliminary. It was then agreed by all in attendance that Commissioner Harris-Glade’s status does not constitute a conflict of interest, and that he can participate fully in discussion and action on this item. Mr. von Platen Luder confirmed in response to Commissioner Ross’s question, that he understands and intends to submit a final design to the Commission for its review and approval. In response to the Commissioners’ inquiries, Mr. von Platen Luder said that the gray color specified in the plan was dictated by the Commission at that time, and that their intention is to pick a color that will make the building blend in with the surroundings as much as possible. Commissioners also asked about the tent-like roof structure shown on the previously submitted plan. Mr. von Platen Luder said that the material is tightly stretched fabric and the design concept is to get the effect of sail. Action It was moved by Commissioner Ross, and seconded by Commissioner Coats, to send a favorable recommendation to the Planning Director, with the following condition: The applicant shall submit a final design to the Kailua Village Design Commission for its review prior to Final Plan Approval. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with seven ayes (Ross, Coats, Bleck, Harris-Glade, Herbert, Kern and Ogin) and one absent and excused (Au Hoy). 2.Review of an application to be considered before the next Leeward Planning Commission meeting; a Special Management Area Use Permit Application (SMA 09-000032) for 2 Staff Presentation Ms. Newlon oriented the Commissioners regarding the subject and surrounding properties on the location map and site plan, and gave them some background information. She noted that the Commission reviewed the proposed renovations on December 11, 2007, and sent a favorable recommendation to the Planning Director, with a couple of recommendations with respect to their choice of landscaping plants. Applicant Presentation The applicant, Gregory Mooers, and the general manager for the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Jak Hu, were present. Mr. Mooers gave some additional background information, saying that the submittal they made in December 2007 was not for any specific permits, and that it was to get feedback on their conceptual plan so that they could go forward with the design; they are now requesting a Special Management Area Use Permit. He said that if the permit is granted, the final drawings would then have to go through the plan approval process where any final design issues or changes will be scrutinized and addressed. He also mentioned that the Planning Department issued a Finding of No Significant Impact on the applicant’s environmental assessment on May 8, 2009, and they are waiting for the 30-day challenge period to expire, at which time the environmental assessment will be deemed adequate. With respect to design elements, he said the most significant change since the Commission’s last review is that the porte-cochere will now remain where it is rather than relocating to the back of the hotel. He said that the demolition of the middle area to create a continuous breeze way and the relocation of the swimming pool are basic design elements of the exterior renovation work, and added that the Planning Department has issued an SMA exemption for the interior renovation work. Discussion Commissioner Harris-Glade said that because the subject property is such a significant structure in the Kailua Village, he would like some dialogue to happen between the applicant and the Commission other than just reviewing the final drawings, although he understands the applicant is not ready to do so. Mr. Mooers responded that at appropriate time they will come back to apprise the Commission of their design updates and progress. Commissioner Coats added that she thinks the community appreciates the significance of the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel as the landmark of the Kailua Village, which adds to the responsibility of the Commission and makes the Commission want to be involved as much as possible. Commissioner Harris-Glade mentioned to Mr. Mooers that since their previous submittal in December 2007 there has been some development with respect to the Kailua Village 3 Business Improvement District (KVBID) as well as the planned Old Airport park, both of which have expressed their interest in connectivity between the Old Airport and the heart of the Village, and suggested that there might be an opportunity for the Hotel to play a part in the connectivity. Mr. Mooers responded that Mr. Hu is very involved with the KVBID, so they are up to speed on the matter. Action It was moved by Commissioner Coats, and seconded by Commissioner Herbert, to reply to the Planning Director that the Kailua Village Design Commission does not object to the SMA Use Permit application. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with seven ayes (Coats, Herbert, Bleck, Harris-Glade, Kern, Ogin and Ross) and one absent and excused (Au Hoy). Commissioner Harris-Glade at this time suggested that staff look into distributing application materials to the Commissioners digitally from an ecological point of view. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 1.Election of Chair and Vice-Chair Chair Marone opened the nominations for the officers. Commissioner Herbert nominated Commissioner Harris-Glade for Chairman. Commissioner Coats expressed her interest in serving in an officer position. By casting of ballots, Commissioner Coats and Commissioner Harris-Glade were elected for Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, for term ending December 31, 2009. 2.Assign members and define scope of sign committee discussed at the March 25, 2008 meeting Commissioner Harris-Glade summarized their past discussions on the matter, and mentioned that in light of his understanding that the KVBID is trying to establish their own sign guidelines as part of their district branding project, the scope of this committee should include a liaison function with the KVBID as well as the Kailua Village Special District community. Chair Marone shared her opinion that the scope of the committee should remain within the responsibility of the Commission, which is to be an advisory body to the Planning Director and the Public Works Director. Commissioner Ogin made a suggestion, which was well received by other Commissioners, that the Deputy Planning Director be assigned as a member of this committee for the purpose of having official assistance available to otherwise a volunteer group. Staff informed the Commissioners that the Deputy Planning Director and the Deputy Corporation Counsel are scheduled to th meet with Debbie Baker of the KVBID on May 28, and the result will be reported to the Commission at the next meeting. Chair Marone assigned Commissioner Harris-Glade to spearhead and work with the Deputy Planning Director on this committee matter. It was then agreed that the name of committee be determined and the scope be finalized at the next meeting. 4 3.Minutes of the Meeting of May 12, 2009 Approval of the minutes was postponed to the next meeting by staff’s request. ANNOUNCEMENTS th Mr. Mark announced that there will be no meeting on June 9, and that the next meeting will be rd on June 23 with a report by Deputy Corporation Counsel, Amy Self, on her discussion with the KVBID on the agenda. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at 7:10 p.m., it was moved by Commissioner Ogin and seconded by Commissioner Ross that the meeting be adjourned. Motion was unanimously carried by a voice vote of all Commissioners in attendance. Respectfully submitted, Noriko Sauer, Secretary A T T E S T: Sally Marone, Chair Kailua Village Design Commission 5