Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout20070724 KVDC Minutes KAILUA VILLAGE DESIGN COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING DATE: July 24, 2007 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: Fanny Collins Au Hoy, Stephen Herbert, Cynthia Hope, Sally Marone and David Ross, Jr. 2. Absent and Excused: Theresa Andreae 3. Applicants: Richard Cacal, Kristine Johnson, Brian Rupp and Greg Mooers 4. Staff Present: Bennett Mark and Noriko Sauer 5. Public: Five people The Chair welcomed those in attendance, and the Commissioners introduced themselves. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Design review of minor modifications to the Wal-Mart Garden Center. Applicant: Carlson Consulting Engineers, Inc. Land owner: Wal-Mart Stores Inc. TMK: 7-5-004:043. Located at 75-1015 Henry Street, Kailua-Kona, HI. Staff Presentation Mr. Mark stated this application is an Unfinished Business item, and presentations were made by the Planning Department and by the applicant at the last meeting on July 10, 2007. He mentioned there aren’t enough canopy-type shade trees in the parking lot to meet the current Code, and the Planning Department is investigating to determine what was approved for the parking lot landscaping when the whole project was done. Applicant Presentation Richard Cacal, a manager at Kona Wal-Mart, was present. He said a new translucent roof is proposed because the Garden Center currently has a mesh-cloth covering, which forces them to close the area when it rains. He also mentioned the proposed 1,500-square foot expansion would be achieved by enclosing a portion of the existing sidewalk area. Public Testimony There was no one from the public wishing to testify on this agenda item. Commission Discussion Commissioner Au Hoy asked Mr. Cacal whether the applicant would be willing to add more canopy trees in the parking area. Mr. Cacal responded cooperatively, and said they 1 will definitely look into the matter. Mr. Mark mentioned that if the applicant were to plant additional canopy trees to meet the current Code requirements, it could involve a massive cost, and that the Planning Department is still trying to determine what was originally approved. Commissioners suggested the applicant work with the Planning Department. Commissioner Hope suggested that a recommendation to bring the parking lot landscaping up to the current Code be included in a motion. Commissioner Ross pointed out that the Commission can make recommendations as an advisory board, but proportionality is important; for example, it wouldn’t be even- handed, if the cost of recommended improvements exceeded the cost of proposed project. He added that he appreciates Mr. Cacal’s willingness, and that from the public relation’s standpoint, it might be a good investment to improve the parking lot landscaping. Action It was moved by Commissioner Herbert and seconded by Commissioner Hope to recommend to the Planning Director the approval of the proposed project, with the following recommendation: The applicant shall consider planting of additional canopy trees in the parking lot to meet the current landscaping requirements under the Zoning Code. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with four ayes (Herbert, Hope, Au Hoy and Ross). 2. Design review of a 90-unit residential condominium project proposed on approximately 2.9 acres. Applicant/Land owner: TSG Kona Kahua, L.P. TMK: 7-5-004:009 and 7-5-004:012. Located at 75-5653 Ololi Road, Kailua-Kona, HI, at the intersection of Kuakini Highway and Ololi Road, just south of Palani Road (former Ranch House Restaurant). Staff Presentation Mr. Mark stated this item is also an Unfinished Business, and presentations were made by the Planning Department and by the applicant at the last meeting on July 10, 2007, and public testimony was taken then as well. He said the Planning Department has nothing to add at this time. Applicant Presentation The project manager for the Kona Kahua project, Kristine Johnson, introduced herself and other representatives, Brian Rupp, Project Manager from The Shopoff Group, and Greg Mooers, their land use consultant. She stated that based on the comments, advice and ideas given by the Commissioners at the last meeting, they have since added hip roof instead of gable roof; they have incorporated more wood siding and wood accents instead of the stucco; they have increased the number of Shower Trees in the landscaping plan; and they have extended the awnings to 3 feet for more shade. 2 Commission Discussion Commissioner Hope expressed her strong concern about inadequacy of the proposed parking. She said that each of the units will likely have two cars, and some of them will have to be parked elsewhere, as has been happening along Alii Drive where cars are parked on the street. She said although she understands that the number of parking spaces meets the Code requirement, that number is a minimum and is inappropriate for the project, which she thinks is irresponsible. In response, Ms. Johnson stated that the proposed number of parking spaces exceeds the County requirement, that each unit will have one assigned space with the overage available for additional cars and guests, that there is an open parking lot across the street, that their market research and studies indicate the project will be pedestrian/bicycle friendly, that the project provides bicycle parking facilities, and therefore they think there will be sufficient parking. She added they also want people to have some green open space and recreation areas instead of more concrete on the ground. Chair Marone stated she agrees with Commissioner Hope, and the Zoning Code may need to be revised. She said even if the project is going to be pedestrian-friendly with place for bicycles, people there are going to have two cars, and will use a public parking lot or a nearby commercial parking lot; parking is a big problem. Mr. Mark confirmed the applicant does meet the parking requirement, with 130 spaces proposed where 120 spaces are required under the Code. He said if the Plan Approval process following the Commission review determines they are in compliance with all other requirements, then the Planning Department will ministerially approve the project. In response to Commissioner Hope’s query, he clarified that condominium units are counted by the number of kitchens, and the number of parking spaces required for a unit is not determined by the number of bedrooms. Mr. Mark assented to Commissioner Hope’s comment that the Commission can make a recommendation to increase the number of parking spaces, however, he said the result would have to depend on the applicant’s willingness, since it would most likely involve reduction of the number of condominium units. Commissioner Hope opined that the proposed development is a dense project for being right downtown in a very congested area In response to Commissioner Ross’ question, Ms. Johnson said they originally submitted th their application in the last week of June for the July 10 Commission meeting, and they had worked with the Planning Department to make sure all requirements were met. She added that they are not seeking any variances at this time. Commissioner Herbert commended them for their quick turnaround. Commissioner Au Hoy expressed her concern about the proximity of the loading area to the heiau site. Ms. Johnson stated the loading area has since been moved to the opposite side of the parking area, and it is no longer situated next to the heiau site. 3 Public Testimony Ms. Ann Peterson, a resident of Kailua-Kona, stated although it is a good start to provide pedestrian/bicycle facilities, that doesn’t take the place of parking since the community is not commuter bicycle-friendly. She added hopefully it will be in the future. She said part of the problem is when condominium owners keep their cars in the spot while their units are leased, and their tenants have to find another space to park their cars. She asked whether there is a way that the Planning Department or the Commission can ask condominium owners to surrender their parking spaces in such a case. Mr. Mark said the Planning Department doesn’t get involved in the area of parking assignment because that is outside the scope of the Zoning Code. Mr. Rupp stated since it is a CC&Rs issue, they will take the concern into consideration, and check with their attorneys who prepare the document. Action It was moved by Commissioner Au Hoy and seconded by Commissioner Herbert to recommend to the Planning Director the approval of the proposed project, with the following recommendations: 1. The applicant shall preserve and maintain the heiau site on Parcel 9 in accordance with requirements and recommendations of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, including placing an interpretive sign at the site; and 2. The applicant shall consult with their legal counsel, and consider means of restricting the use of parking stalls, so that the condominium occupants rather than absent owners are able to park their vehicles on site. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with three ayes (Au Hoy, Herbert and Ross) and one no (Hope). Commissioner Ross at this time informed the other Commissioners that he has learned there is a move to see the parking ordinance changed, although he is not sure what the outcome will be or how long it will take, and that there should be public hearings on the matter in the near future. NEW BUSINESS 1. Design review of a Sign Permit for Mercedes-Benz of Honolulu. Applicant: INA Custom Signs. Land owner: JR Kona Acquisition LLC. TMK: 7-5-005:087. Located at 75-5608 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI. Mr. Mark announced the applicant has withdrawn their application. It was agreed by all Commissioners in attendance that the Commission should take up the following three items together due to the similarity of the applications. 4 2. Design review of signage for the Hale Hana Center. Applicant: Gary O’Brien; Land owner: Hale Hana Partners, LP. and Queen Liliuokalani Trust. TMK: 7-4-015-018. Located on 74-5583 Luhia Street, Kailua-Kona, HI, within the Kailua Industrial Subdivision area. 3. Design review of signage for the Luhia Center I. Applicant: Gary O’Brien; Land owner: Luhia Partners, LP. and Queen Liliuokalani Trust. TMK: 7-4-015-021. Located on 74-5605 Luhia Street, Kailua-Kona, HI, within the Kailua Industrial Subdivision area. 4. Design review of signage for the Luhia Center II. Applicant: Gary O’Brien; Land owner: Luhia Partners, LP. and Queen Liliuokalani Trust. TMK: 7-4-015:020. Located on 74-5599 Luhia Street, Kailua-Kona, HI, within the Kailua Industrial Subdivision area. Staff Presentation Mr. Mark mentioned that the proposed directory signs were reviewed by the Commission in January when they didn’t meet the size requirement under the Sign Code and required a variance; with the Commission’s favorable recommendation, the applicant took his variance application to the County Council, but the Council denied the request. He said the revised design conforms to the Sign Code, with the only change being the size of the signs. Applicant Presentation Neither the applicant nor his representative was present. Public Testimony There was no one from the public wishing to testify on this agenda item. Commission Discussion Chair Marone expressed her concern that there are many illegal signs on the subject properties, and said she would like to hold Mr. O’Brien, the applicant, responsible for removal of those illegal signs, referring to his cooperative statement at the previous meeting on January 9, 2007. Commissioner Ross suggested the Commission make a recommendation to the Public Works Director that the sign permits shouldn’t be signed off until the Department of Public Works can certify all the illegal signs have been removed from the properties. Mr. Mark pointed out even if there exists something illegal or in violation on the same property, that cannot be used as a reason to hold up on a permit that is legal. He said, however, that the Commission can ask the Public Works Director for his consideration in the form of recommendation or a separate letter. He added the Commission Rule provides the Commission can form a committee for the purpose of following up on applicants’ compliance, if they wish to pursue such a matter. Chair Marone mentioned that Kona Outdoor Circle is taking up the illegal sign issue as well. 5 Action It was moved by Commissioner Ross and seconded by Commissioner Hope to recommend to the Public Works Director the approval of all three signs, with the following recommendations: 1. The applicant shall follow through his statement made at the January 9, 2007, Commission meeting that he will have the existing illegal signs including banners and sandwich board signs removed from the property; and 2. Department of Public Works will verify, before approving the sign application, that illegal signs have been removed from the property. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with four ayes (Ross, Hope, Au Hoy and Herbert). ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 1. Minutes of the Meeting of May 29, 2007 – It was moved by Commissioner Hope and seconded by Commissioner Herbert that the minutes be approved as circulated. The motion was unanimously carried by a voice vote of all Commissioners in attendance. Minutes of the Meeting of July 10, 2007 – It was moved by Commissioner Au Hoy and seconded by Commissioner Herbert that the minutes be approved as circulated. The motion was unanimously carried by a voice vote of all Commissioners in attendance. ANNOUNCEMENT Mr. Mark announced that the Hawaii Congress of Planning Officials will hold its annual meeting thth on September 26 through the 28 at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, and one Commissioner of the Kailua Village Design Commission can attend this event with all expenses paid by the County. He handed out the application packets to all Commissioners, and asked them to decide as soon as possible who would be the best to represent the Commission. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at 6:13 p.m., it was moved by Commissioner Hope and seconded by Commissioner Au Hoy 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 6