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HomeMy WebLinkAboutaug12013 KAUAI COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW COMMISSION Lihu` e Civic Center, Mo ' ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A-213 MINUTES A regular meeting of the Kauai County Historic Preservation Review Commission (KHPRC) was held on August 1 , 2013 in the Lrrtru` e Civic Center, Mo 'ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A-2B. The following , Commissioners were present: Danita Aiu, Chairperson, Stephen Long, Vice Chairperson, Pat Griffin, Patsy Sheehan, Jane Gray and Althea Arinaga. The following Cominissioner(s) were absent: Kuuleialoha Santos . The following staff members were present: Planning Department — Shanlee Jimenez, Myles Hironaka, Dale Cua; Office of Boards and Commissions — Cherisse Zaima, Teresa Tamura; Deputy County Attorney Ian Jung, CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 3 : 07 p .m. Council Administrative Assistant Eddie Topenio gave the Oath of Office to new member Althea Arinaga, APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA On the motion by Patsy Sheehan and seconded by Jane Gray to move Unfinished Business to the end of the meeting, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES The Minutes of the May 2, 2013, meeting were approved as circulated. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GENERAL BUSINESS MATTERS There were no announcements or general business matters. COMMUNICATIONS There were no communications. s . August 1, 2013 KH.P.RC. Meeting Minutes Page 2 NEW BUSINESS Re* Class IN Zoning Permit Z-IV-201347, Project Development Use Permit PDU201345, and Use Permit U-2013-14 to develop a research complex facilitating research mi various dormitory buildings, various accessory structures, and provision for off-street parldug, Tax Map Key: 5-2-013 : 001 , 10-lauea, Kauai , Hawai`i = Ae Resonance Project Foundation. The Commission received testimony from Jonathan Chun, representing the 'Resonance Project, who stated he was seeking a review on the proposed project at the Kilauea Plantation Manager' s .house. He received comments fiom the State Historic Preservation Committee and asked if the Commission had a chance to review theirs. Chair Aiu replied they had not received them. Mr. Chun explained that based on the comments, the client will be making some changes but he is not certain what those changes are yet. If the Commission has apparent concerns, questions or comments, Mr. Chun will include those for consideration in the overall redesign or revision. Chair Aiu asked if Planrnirng Director Mike Dahilig was present to which Mr. Hironaka replied that he could not make it. Mr. Chun stated that he is aware that there will be a redesign of the garage portion, though he does not know what it is going to look dike. He has asked the owners to consider the comments of SHPD (State Historic Preservation Division) which they agreed to do. They also discussed moving the construction of the underground structure to the second phase. Mr. Chun stated that SHPD did not comment on that structure and feels it is because they are more concealed about the renovation of the garage and how it impacts the overall historic context of the garage, wash house, and main house; those three structures are on their list for historic preservation. Mr. Long stated that he is aware this is a difficult project with many pieces to it and asked if the Cornrnission will be reviewing this again to which Chair Aiu added that she thinks it should come back to the Commission with more detailed infonnation. Mr. Chun stated that it would be up to the Department and how they schedule it, but he would support and recommend that it be brought back to the Conunission especially if there will be revisions or amendments. Mr. Long asked about the donne structure that is partially visible ftorn. the house, its purpose, whether it' s a geodesic dome, and what the significance of the geodesic aspect is. Mr. Chun explained that the dome structure is going to be a lecture hall which, at one point in time, had an outdoor deck associated with it; that has since been removed. He noted that they 'tried to move it as far down the slope as possible so it would not be visible height-wise; the donne is 25-feet high to be placed at an elevation 28 -feet below the elevation of the main house. Mr. August i, 2013 K.H.P.RC. Meeting Minutes Page 3 Chun stated it is a geodesic dome, though he is unsure of its significance. He is encouraging the client to put some kind of landscaping around it in addition to the elevation change. Mr. Long asked Mr. Chun to make a note that the Commission is interested in learning about that when the applicant returns. Mr. Long also noted that with the proposed agricultural activities there was discussion on four containers and agricultural sheds, noting that it is a lot proposed for what is a very sensitive property and core historical resource of Kilauea. He is confident that the architects are historically . competent and hopes they will be sensitive to the aesthetic, historical aspects of the property. Mr. Chun stated that is understood and is one of the main reasons they plan to move the donne lower. He fiuther noted that because the construction of the underground structure is being moved to a later phase, they need to address the original plan to put in six to eight temporary storage containers . Although the containers will eventually be incorporated into the underground ` structure, if they will not be constructing the underground facility until a later phase, the containers should not be placed there yet. He further suggested asking for an explanation as to what purpose the containers will be serving and how long they will be there, as they do not lend themselves to the historical property. Chair Aiu asked the Planners to clarify the reason for the prices of rooms and expressed her concern that this project is a guise for a scientists ' vacation,rental. Mr. Cua explained that his understanding from the pre-application meeting is the applicants will be operating very similar to what NTBG (National Tropical Botanical Garden) does for their visiting scientists and botanists who come to do research at their facility. In this case, they will be hosting visiting physicists to do research by invitation only; it will not be open to the public. Ms . Griffin asked if the applicant' s were charging, would that be a different permit to which Mr. Hiror?aka replied that the Department specifically said there would be no charge to their guests and that by doing so it would raise the specter of a TVR. 'Ms. Griffin highlighted several places in Kilauea that are on the national register such as the lighthouse, the head bookkeeper and head luna homes, the Kong Lung store, the school and the plantation manager' s house, which .is a very unusual and important structure being made of stone. She further noted that oral Histories have talked about its creation and that the national register nominations speak specifically of the full grown trees, extensive lawn that slopes toward the Kilauea River and a stone cistern which was used by children for swimming. Ms. Griffin noted that the managers were responsible for a lot of entertaining, which is evident in the house' s very large living room and kitchen areas as well as the large sweeping lawn. She listed the numerous proposed structures and their respective square footage, which she feels may negatively impact the setting for what the house and grounds were. Ms. Griffin asked about the shade house, stating that it looks as though it is being entirely reconstructed. August 1, 2013 K.H.P.R.C. Meeting Minutes Page 4 Mr. Chun stated that it seems to be that way and that all they did was change the walls and put a form of roof on it. Ms. Griffin provided some history on shade Houses on the island in the 20 's and 30 's, noting that changing the shade house to a , walled structure would change the feel of the house' and yard, which is a concern to her. She feels that it is an important responsibility for them to discuss how the new things work with the historic landscape. Mr. Chun stated that his understanding is that the Commission would like to encourage the applicants to further refuse the look of the proposed buildings. He feels ' those are very legitimate concerns and he will emphasize that to his clients. Ms . Griffin asked for clarification on ownership of the property and whether they were paying no tax because of historic preservation credit or non-profit status; she noted that Wicklewood, the owners listed on the property tax, is a for-profit entity. Mr. Chun stated that he is unsure of their tax status, but surmised that because Resonance Project is the long-tennn lessee, they qualify for the real property tax exemption as an owner of the property, and because they are a non-profit organization they are probably getting the tax break based on that; not the historic preservation credit. Mr. Long stated that although he has not studied the plans in-depth, his gut feeling is that there is a lot of new construction happening in a very small area and it' s not just the physical, architectural structure being impacted. Based on these concerns, he questioned how all this will be done. Chair Aiu requested a motion for the applicants to return to the Commission with more detailed plans and a presentation, which Mr. Chun stated he will try to arrange; further adding he will provide pictures of what is being proposed. Mr. Long requested the Architect be present as well. Ms. Griffin commented that she thinks it important to include how at least two of the new structures would compromise the setting of the lawn and adversely impact the historic property. Mr. Long noted that this is also being brought before the Planning Commission and he' s sure there are concerned individuals inn the community who would benefit from a visual presentation. Mr. Chun stated that the Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for August 13 at which time the revisions will be presented and public testimony will continue; they will not be asking the Plaiming Commission to take any action so there will be time for the applicants to come back to this body. Ms. Sheehan agreed with Ms. Griffin and shared her additional concern about some of the old trees that she feels are very significant. She asked how they fit into the scale of what is being August I, 20I3 KH.P.R.C. Meeting Minutes Page 5 done and further mentioned that she hopes no trees will be pulled out just to put up a building. She is also conceived about what the building will turn into, noting that the footprint could be the same but the inside could be changed. She commented on the significance of the stairs and the rooms and feels the Commission could learn a lot more from another presentation. Mr. Chun stated that some trees are noted, but if there are others that the Commission would like to preserve, they can let him know and he will go back and check whether there are any plans for those. On the motion by Pat Griffin and seconded by Patsy Sheehan to have the Resonance Project return with more specific plans that address the concerns of the Commission and the State Historic Preservation Division, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote. RE: Kaumuali' i Highway Damage Repairs at Hanapepe River Bridge, Project No. HWY- KM-2013-06, District of Waimea, Island of Kauai, Hawaii = State of Hawai `i, Department of Transportation, Highways Division. Fred Reyes of the Department of Transportation Highways Division updated the Commission on the plans to repair the 1938 Hanapepe Bridge. He provided copies of photos and plans and explained how the bridge was damaged by a drunk driver back in 2009, extensively detailing the extent of the damage and what the repair work will entail. The Commission received testimony from Dorothea Hayashi of Hanapepe who stated that they always knew that bridge was dangerous and asked Mr. Reyes whether the concept for this bridge could be used to strengthen the 1911 bridge. Mr. Reyes stated that they are not strengthening the bridge; they are repairing damage to the rail, noting that the two bridges have different types of railing. Mr. Jung stated for clarification that one is a State bridge and one is a County bridge, and the engineers from those agencies will worlc on their respective bridges. Ms. Griffin stated that there is a Committee started by the State DOT that is doing an inventory of all State and County bridges, and suggested they use the historical inventories as a guide to when the railings were established to determine whether or not to go back to KHPRC and SHPD with a repair possibility; if it is from an earlier bridge, it' s important to. replace it in-kind. A member of the public asked whether the 1938 bridge was registered State Historic register or Kauai to which Ms. Griffin replied she does not believe it is registered with either but it is eligible and will be considered in the same way as if it were a historic bridge. On the motion. by Pat Griffin and seconded by Jane Gray to concur with SHPD on the Hanapepe bridge repair work, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote. August 1, 2013 K.H.P.RC. Meeting Minutes Page 6 Re: Muki Taro Mouse (Gaylord Wilcox) TALK 54-03 : 1 Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii Complete Demolition of :Mouse and Sheds. Ms. Sheehan recused herself fiorm this portion of the meeting. Roger Decamp, General Contractor representing Gaylord Wilcox, stated that he is seeking a demolition permit for an old, local shack located on Wilcox Trust property across from Hanalei. Liquor store. He clarified that this property has mistakenly been identified as the Midi house and provided an explanation of where the Miiki house actually is based on information received from Hanalei residents. He stated that this shack is destroyed, wasted and is a hazard that needs to be removed. Chair Aiu asked whether someone was living there as there are a lot of cars on the property. Mr. Decamp stated. that someone is living there but was supposed to move out. He explained the mother of the woman currently living there passed away in January or February and the woman was supposed to move out by August; however she just had a baby and was granted an additional month. He provided photos and gave an overview of the property and the condition of the structure, noting that he was unsure of its historical significance but believes it was just a local house built in the 30' s. Ms. Griffin noted that on the historic resource profile, which was done in the 80 ' s and 90' s, calls it the Miiki Taro house. She asked whether this house is across from the Dolphin Restaurant near Postcards. Mr. Decamp replied no, this house is across from Hanalei store which is about two to three blocks away. He is hoping to speak to Yoshi Harada who stores 1-As taro equipment on the Miiki Taro house property to try and clarify this information. Mr. Decamp described how the shack has been added to over 'the years and how old and rotten it is, leaving nothing that is salvageable, and cormnented on a piece of plywood that covers a cesspool, which is a dangerous situation that needs to be taken care o£ Ms . Griffin stated that there are no laws allowing the Cornruission to stop demolition, but she would like to explore how to mitigate this loss for the future and asked that pictures be taken. Mr. Decamp agreed that it should be documented and offered to take more and better pictures. Mr. Long asked where the historical documents had been reposited to which Mr. Hironaka replied there are copies in their profile and that could be forwarded to the Kauai Historic Society. Mr. Long requested along with that, a dimension floor-plan of the original structure. August 1, 2013 K.II.P.RC. Meeting Minutes Page 7 Ms . Arinaga stated that if this is not the Miiki Taro House, perhaps the naive should not be used for this project to which Mr. Decamp replied he would investigate it and try to straighten it out. On the motion by Pat Griffin and seconded by Jane Gray to accept the demolition request as stated, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Ms . Griffin further stated that along with that she would like to request that the Planning Department be provided with archival work that includes the actual name of the house as it' s been known in. the community, photos that give an indication of the structure and its placement along the highway, and a floor-plan and/or plot-plan that shows the footprint and oral histories as Mr. Decamp can gather them. RE : Hanama` ulu Trading Company (Deane B. & Joaquina Abben) TMK: 3=8-2: 1 I Hanama` ulu, Kauai , Hawai`i Joaquina Abben representing the Hanaina'ulu Trading Company asked that the Commission accept their proposal for the reconstruction due to fire damage, stating that they would like to start the construction as soon as possible. Ms. Griffin asked how long Ms. Abben has owned the property to which Ms. Abben replied her husband bought the property in 1977. At that time, it was just a big shell and everything was put in after they purchased the building; it was used as storage for the Lzhu` e Plantation for merchandise they had in their store. Ms. Gray asked whether the post office was going to reopen. Ms . Abben explained that the post office is in the process of closing down; however it has to go to the Federal level and be approved by Congress in order to do so. The Hanamd'ulu community is fighting it as well as residents in Kapa` a, and Wailua Homesteads and Houselots since many of them utilize the Hanarna'ulu post office as opposed to Lihu` e, .which they say has no parking. On the motion by Stephen song and seconded by Pat Griffin to accept the plans as submitted, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote. August 1, 2013 K.H.P.R.C. Meeting Minutes Page 8 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Re: Certified Local Government (CLG) Status lUpdate. on County Historic Resource Inventory project by Anna Marne R. Grune (Consultant) from the firm of Wiss, Janney, Listner Associates, Inc. Anna Grune stated that she works for the firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, located in Honolulu, and has been conunissioned to do a survey on K.aua`i ; focusing on areas — Koloa, Po` ipu, Kalaheo, and LIkZu`e. They are doing a reconnaissance survey, which consists of taking photographs of buildings and providing brief descriptions based on the features of the house such as foundation, cladding, windows, roof and type of materials. She stated that there are many more properties to be surveyed and the process has become much more labor intensive than originally anticipated. Ms. Grune detailed the process of her data collection. Ms. Sheehan asked if they were looking at any old inventories to which Ms. Grune replied that since the inventory they looked at was so old, they are essentially starting from scratch. Ms. Grune explained how they are using the ARC GIS global positioning system to map out where the properties are and how it is being compiled into a database. Ms. Sheehan asked for clarification on what they do if they find a house that is 35 years old and then has been added on to. Ms. Grune stated that those are being documented as well and gave some examples of how that is done. Ms. Sheehan asked what the timetable is in tenors of months to which Ms. Grune replied they are doing the survey portion in a little over a week and then a report will be done. At the request of Mr. Long, Don Hibbard and.Ms. Grune explained the defuutions of some abbreviations, further explaining that they will all be detailed in the final report. Mr. Long asked whether any additional information will be provided for the structures that have been deemed no good or ineligible to which Mr. Hibbard replied no . Ms. Grune elaborated by stating that areas that require more work and more historic research will be documented. In response to Ms. Griffin, Ms. Grune explained the deliverables to the Planning Department will include a database of the sui-vey information, GPS coordinates and inforruation on the property along with photographs, as well as a. contextual study. Ms. Griffin asked if it will be available online. August I , 2013 K.H.P.R.C. Meeting Minutes Page 9 Mr. Hironaka replied that he thinks SHPDs intent is for this to be used in a GIS system, so it will be forr.atted for that purpose. He further mentioned that SHPD will have to review the consultant' s report prior to it being submitted to Planning. Ms. Grune added that their whole scope of work had to be approved by SHPD and the National Park Service. There was discussion between Ms. Griffin and Ms. Grupe on documenting historically significant or unique elements of a property such as landscaping, lava rock archways, intricate Japanese gardens, hollow tile designs and windows. Mr. Long asked how the survey coordinates with the Planning Department' s permitting check system. Mr. Hironaka. explained that if the database provided by the consultants is in Excel or Access, it can easily be put into a GIS system. and be configured to allow the planners to look at what type of permits have been issued for the property, the history of the property, as well as historical information. Ms. Sheehan noted that the K61oa area has many cultural things like stone walls and trees and asked if they are surveying those as well. Ms. Grune replied that they are only doing houses, but if they do see something they feel is of historical significance, they will photograph it. She noted some of the other properties they are working on such as, the Kilauea gym. and Wilcox Hospital, SELECTION OF MEETING DATE AND AGENDA TOPICS The next meeting was scheduled on September 5, 2013 . Ms. Griffin pointed out that some agenda items that were on the June agenda were not on this agenda and asked what the reason was for that, specifically the Parks and Recreation item on the Hanalei Courthouse. Mr. Jung explained. that the Plamuring ComInission had already taken action on that item, adding that it could be placed on next meeting' s agenda for discussion, but that the permit had. already been approved. Ms. Griffin shared that she and Mr. Long had attended Section 106 training. Mr. Hironaka reported that Mike Gushard of SHPD, who was to do a presentation on CLG funding, was unable to get a flight to Kauai today. August 1, 2013 KUT R.G. Meeting Minutes Page 10 Mr. Long shared additional information on his experience at the Section 106 training. He asked if the Commission would like to acknowledge and thank. the County govenunent and the Mayor for sending them to the training and reaf . Iming their position to support the Section 106 process. Mr. Hironaka added that SHPD and the National Park Services should also be acknowledged. Mr. Jung stated that they could send a thank you letter and could delegate authority to the Chair to issue it. Chair Aiu stated that Mr. Long could write it and she would sign it. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4: 50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Cherisse' Zaima Commission Support Clerk Date: ( ) Approved as circulated. ( ) Approved with amendments. See minutes of meeting.