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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-08 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes KAILUA VILLAGE DESIGN COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I MINUTES MEETING DATE: March 8, 2011 TIME: 5:20 p.m. PLACE: West Hawai‘i Civic Center nd Planning Department Conference Room – Building E, 2 Floor 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i, 96740 ROLL CALL 1. Members Present: Shane Kitchens, Paul Bleck, Nancy Burns, Stephen Herbert and Ann Kern 2. Absent and Excused: Cindy Coats, Eugene Power and Riley Saito 3. Applicants/Representatives:Chad Raymond, Douglas Alcain, Han Kim, Don Johnson and Faruq Ramzanalli 4. Planning Department:Bennett Mark, Rosalind Newlon, Keola Childs and Noriko Sauer 5. Public: None Chair Kitchens welcomed those in attendance, and the Commissioners introduced themselves. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS None. NEW BUSINESS 1. Design review of a sign permit application for a wall sign and a marquee sign for John Allen Sign Company. Applicant: Chad Raymond of John Allen Sign Company, LLC. Land Owners: David Bonaparte of Pres-Kona Coast LP and Lili‘uokalani Trust Estate. TMK: 7-4-015-001. Located at 74-5586 Palani Road at the Kona Coast Shopping Center, Kailua-Kona, HI., near the intersection of Palani Road and Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway. Mr. Childs oriented the Commissioners regarding the subject and surrounding properties on the location map, and described the two wall signs, one of which had initially been described as a marquee sign,for Pier 1 imports.He noted that neither signs complied with the Sign Code for the Kailua Village Special District or the Signage Criteria Guidelines for Review in the Master Plan for Kailua-Kona, specifically with respect to overall size and lettering height, as well as the material used. He added that variances would be necessary to construct the signs as proposed. He provided some background information regarding past variances granted to the subject shopping center in 1990, as 1 amended in 1999, and to the previous tenant of the particular bay, Ross Stores, Inc., in addition in 1997. The applicant, Chad Raymond of John Allen Sign Company, LLC,was present. In response to the Commissioners’ questions, he said that no technical analysis had been done for the signs to be designed as proposed, and that his client had utilized their standard sign and tried to maximize the visibility at the location. He also noted that the previous tenant had had the same material for its illuminated signs. Commissioner Herbert queried as to why the proposed signs could not conform to the existing variance requirements; 22-inch lettering should be large enough for the well- known name to be recognized by motorists. Commissioner Burns agreed and expressed her concern about potentially setting a precedent, if the larger size were to be approved. She also said that she would need to see technical support justifying oversized signs. Commissioner Bleck and the Chair also agreed that the proposed size was far larger than other signs in the area. Commissioner Herbert moved, and Commissioner Kern seconded, to deny the application and recommend that this and any other signs at this facility conform to the 1997 variance. Commissioner Burns reiterated that she wanted to see technical justification; just because there had been a variance granted before didn’t mean that a conformed sign was still justifiable because circumstances might have changed. Mr. Childs clarified the difference between the “blanket” valiance for the entire shopping center and the variance just for Ross Stores, Inc. Commissioner Herbert restated his motion that the Commission deny the application and recommend that this and any other signs at this facility conform to the 1997 variance for Ross Stores, Inc. Commissioner Kern confirmed her second. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with four ayes (Herbert, Kern, Burns and Bleck) and three absent and excused (Coats, Power and Saito). 2. Design review of a sign permit application for two wall signs for Wesco Distribution Inc. Applicant: John Mattos of Wesco Distribution Inc. Land Owners: Travis Stephenson of Konani Partners LP and Lili‘uokalani Trust Estate. TMK: 7-4-015-013. Located at 74- 5604 Luhia Street, Kailua-Kona, HI., at the northwest corner of Luhia Street and Eho Street. Mr. Childs oriented the Commissioners regarding the subject and surrounding properties on the location map, and described the proposed wall signs. He said that even though there would be two signs both facing Luhia Street, the Department of Public Works, Building Division had determined that small signs ofdirectional *nature were allowable under the Sign Code. He noted that the design and coloration of the proposed signs appeared to comply with the Signage Criteria Guidelines for Review in the Master Plan for Kailua-Kona. The applicant’s representative,Douglas Alcain,was present. In response to Commissioner Burns’ inquiry, he clarified that their existing sign was a temporary banner. The visibility of the signs after lowering them in order to meet the maximum 2 height requirement was discussed, and Mr. Alcain said that they should be visible from the street although it was still somewhat questionable, adding that there would be a “No Parking” sign, which would eliminate parked cars that might otherwise block the signs. It was moved by Commissioner Bleck, and seconded by Commissioner Herbert, to recommend to the Public Works Director approval of the sign application as submitted. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried with four ayes (Bleck, Herbert, Burns, and Kern) and three absent and excused (Coats, Power and Saito). 3. Design review of a sign permit application for a ground sign and a wall sign for Han Kim. Applicant: Han Kim. Land Owners: Ed Kim, Gyu Han Kim, Mihyung Kim and Faruq Ramsanalli.TMK: 7-5-007:009. Located at 75-146 Sarona Road, Kailua-Kona, HI., approximately 75 feet makai of the intersection of Sarona Road and Kuakini Highway. Mr. Childs stated that this application had been returned to the applicant for procedural reasons, and that the applicant was to submit a complete application to the Department of Public Works for its review before they would be able to come back to the Commission. 4. Design review of a sign permit application for a ground sign and a wall sign for Han Kim. Applicant: Han Kim. Land Owners: Ed Kim, Gyu Han Kim, Mihyung Kim and Faruq Ramsanalli.TMK: 7-5-007:009. Located at 75-146 Sarona Road, Kailua-Kona, HI., approximately 75 feet makai of the intersection of Sarona Road and Kuakini Highway. Mr. Childs oriented the Commissioners regarding the subject and surrounding properties on the location map, and described the proposed project. He said that previous plans had been reviewed by the Commission and received a favorable recommendation as to the general concept on May 13, 2003. He noted that the proposal appeared to be in compliance with the Zoning Code and the Planning Department Rule 17 for landscaping and also appeared to be consistent with the architectural guidelines for Kailua Village. The applicant, Han Kim,the architect, Don Johnson, and one of the principals,Faruq Ramzanalli,were present. Mr. Johnson provided some background information on the project, and pointed out design highlights, such as oversized window shades and roof overhang, embellishmentsthat would break up the building façade, and a color scheme appropriate in the Kailua Village. He and Mr. Kim also touched on their proposed signs although they understood that they had to resubmit their sign application (See Item No. 3 above). While the Commissioners appreciated the use of stone on the building façade, they suggested that the applicant look into different types of stone material consistent with the character of Kailua Village, namely lava or coral. In response to Commissioner Bleck’s question as to what elements of the design responded to the historic, cultural and pedestrian way of life of the village, Mr. Johnson mentioned the lava stonewalls along the perimeter and the landscape plan including the selection of plants. Commissioner Bleck 3 also inquired about the proposed lighting, and Mr. Johnson explained that the dark blue building lighting was the franchise’s signature accent and would not illuminate the whole building, and that the parking area would have ornamental lighting fixtures that had been approved by the Commission in 2003. In response to Commissioner Burns’ questions, Mr. Johnson said that the proposed chain link fence would be painted black, and that with respect to drainage, their civil engineer was taking a careful look at the matter and there would be a series of drywells to control runoffs. It was moved by Commissioner Herbert, and seconded by Commissioner Kern, to recommend to the Planning Director the approval of the project as submitted. Commissioner Burns suggested that the motion be amended to include arecommendation that the applicant substitute the proposed cultured stone with a native stone material in keeping with the historical character and elements of Kailua Village. Commissioners Herbert and Kern agreed to the amendment. Mr. Childs answered Mr. Kim’s question, saying that the applicant would not have to come back to the Commission unless they were to make substantial changes to their plans. Aroll call vote was taken and the motion carried with four ayes (Herbert, Kern, Burns and Bleck) and three absent and excused (Coats, Power and Saito). 5. Kailua Village Design Commission – Consider revisions to Chapter 3, Article 2 -Kailua Village Signs, to forward to the Department of Public Works, Building Division. Mr. Mark said that he had been informed by the Department of Public Works that the Commission would be provided with proposed revisions shortly. The following were discussed: Variances from the Sign Code are a public health and safety issue and the County Council is not qualified to make such decisions, while they might consider the aspect of appearance. Recommendations provided to the County Council on variances should include input from Department of Public Works, Traffic Division. Granting of variances on visibility and size should be administered according to stated principles by the Department of Public Works Director rather than the County Council. The allowable size for logos should be re-examined by taking other factors, such as location and building size, into consideration. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 1. Approval of Minutes of the Meetingsof January 11, 2011. It was moved by Commissioner Kern and seconded by Commissioner Burns that the minutes be approved as submitted. Motion was unanimously carried by a voice vote of all Commissioners in attendance. 4 ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Mark reiterated that the Sign Code revisions proposed by the Department of Public Works would be distributed to the Commissioners first and placed on the next available meeting. Mr. Mark expressed his gratitude to Commissioners Bleck and Kern, who had completed their terms, for their years of dedicated service, and presented them with Certificates of Appreciation signed by the Mayor. (Commissioner Coats, who had also completed her term, was absent.) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at 7:20 p.m., it was moved by Commissioner Herbert and seconded by Commissioner Burns 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: Shane Kitchens, Chair Kailua Village Design Commission 5