HomeMy WebLinkAboutnov72013 KAUAI COUN`IYMSTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW COMMISSION
Lihue Civic Center, Moikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A/2B
MINUIES
A regular meeting of the Kauai County Historic Preservation Commission q<HPRC) was held on
November 7 , 2013 in the Lihue Civic Center, Moilceha Building, Meeting Room 2A/2B.
The following Commissioners were present: Danita Aiu, Chairperson, Stephen Long, Vice
Chairperson, Patsy Sheehan, Pat Griffin, Jane Gray, Althea Arinaga, and Anne Schneider
The following Commissioner{s} were absent: Kuuleialoha Santos
The following staff members were present : Planning Department — Michael Dahilig, Myles
Hironaka, Shanlee Jimenez, Kaaina Hull; Office of Boards and Commissions — Cherisse Zaima,
Deputy County Attorney Ian Jung
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 3 : 00 p .m.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Chair Aiu requested that Item C. 2 be moved up on the agenda to come before
Communications
Pat Sheehan moved to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by Pat Griffin
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
The Minutes of the September S , 2013 meeting were approved as circulated.
Anne Schneider moved for approval of the minutes, seconded by Pat Griffin.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GENERAL BUSINESS MATTERS
There were no announcements or general business matters .
I
November 7> 2013 K.H .P.R.C. Meeting Minutes
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Certified Local Government (CL.G) Status
Director Michael Dahilig and Planner Ka' aina Hull provided a presentation to update the
Commission on the Department' s CLG Status . (On file)
Mr. Dahilig explained what the Department is doing to inventory and document Kaua`i's
historic assets around the island, and ways they can promote historic preservation through the
use permit or building construction process by making changes to the Code if necessary. He
and Mr. Hull have discussed potential ways to encourage laird owners to renew old buildings; to
convert the use to meet modern demands, yet still maintain the form of the structure to ensure
the contextual elements of the town will remain.
Mr. Dahilig circulated a draft ordinance that outlines how they hope to implement this.
(On file)
Mr. Hull stated the Department is seeking the Commission' s input on the draft
ordinance presented . He noted that town core revitalization is the main goal of this initiative,
explaining how they hope to accomplish that, but still preserve the historic character of the
town.
Ms. Schneider asked if the Department has done a design workshop to show people
what they have in mind, noting that County parking needs to be provided for these town core
businesses.
Ms . Aiu stated that this is the first time the Commission is hearing about this initiative,
and hopes that there will be a Committee of stakeholders to review and discuss the draft
ordinance . She referenced the Main Street project she worked on in Waimea and Hanapepe.
Ms . Schneider noted she worked on something similar on the mainland where they drew up the
entire town to show people what it would look like, which she feels would be a big help. Ms .
Aiu noted there was an ordinance deeming Kapa` a Town a historic district, but she is unsure
what happened with that. She asked if the Department had looked at that to which Mr. Hull
replied yes , noting this is not totally new to Kauai; there are already two similar ordinances in
existence.
Ms . Aiu asked what the Department would consider "little towns" , suggesting Kapa` a,
Hanalei, Waimea, Hanapepe, Lihu` e, and Koloa. Mr. Hull added some of Kilauea, and a few
areas in Puhi, Kalaheo, and Po`ipu.
Mr. Dahilig provided more explanation on this initiative.
Ms . Sheehan agreed that this is a lot of information, and she hopes the Commission will
have a chance to provide input on the draft ordinance, stating that each town has its own
commercial core that sets it apart from another . She noted that Hanalei and Princeville are
November 7, 2033 K.H.P.R.C. Meeting Minutes
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very green and may not fit into the proposed ordinance ; having one bill that works for
everyone's town core will make every one look the same . She noted that each town is different
and unique, and that individuality needs to be maintained.
Mr. Hull replied that there is a section of the ordinance that specifically addresses
concerns that were brought up by a case in Hanalei, which increases buffers, allowing buildings
to be moved back from street frontage to allow for landscaping or community space, but
restricting parking stalls in that buffer zone .
Ms. Griffin stated that she serves on the Built Environment Committee, noting that this
issue has come up several times . She also mentioned that she sat on the Citizen Advisory
Committee of the Lihu`e Town Core Plan, which much of this was generated from. She
expressed her concern on the lack of greenery in Lihu` e Town, noting its importance, and
commented on the pocket parks that have been developed, and have transformed downtown
Honolulu. Her main concern which is both historic, and smart growth, is that the Department
has not talked to the State , noting the State' s plans to turn the Guy Rothwell police station,
built in the mid 50' s, into a parking garage; that is the center ofLihu` e. She further noted that
the trees next to the old courthouse as well as the trees fronting the Department of Health, and
the tree at Umi and Hardy streets have been cut down; she argues that those were historic
trees and there seems to be no plan to replace them.
Deputy County Attorney Jung stated that there is a tree ordinance, and suggested if
there are any trees she would like to identify, she can bring it up to the Arborist Advisory
Committee . Ms. Griffin stated that she is part of the Lihu` e Business Association, and they have
been working on identifying trees, but the point still stands that this town core is full of
government buildings that are outside of the ordinance ; how is the Department bringing the
State building into the fold.
Mr. Dahilig replied that if the State wants to build anything, they do need to come to the
Planning Department for a permit, which gives the Department that discretionary ability. He
further noted that the Town Core Plan has certain design standards that are already
implemented into law.
Ms. Griffin stated that it was her understanding that the State was not required to
obtain County permits, and that it was done out of courtesy to which Mr. Dahilig replied no.
In response to Ms . Gfiffin' s question Mr. Hull explained that the government overlay
within the Lihu` e Town Core is considered a special treatment public district, which means that
anytime a three dimensional alteration is proposed, it requires Planning Commission review,
and the issuance of a discretionary permit.
Mr. Long commented on the park fronting the Historic County building, noting that he
feels it is a lovely town square, yet nobody was there when he recently drove by. He suggested
that the County encourage and develop assets they already have in the area, and provide more
November 7, 2013 K.H.P.R.C. Meeting Minutes
Page 4
parking. He shared some parking solutions based on what he has seen in Houston, Chicago,
and at Olympic Cafe in Kapa` a.
Mr. Long further commented that because of the differences in each of the towns, the
Department should look at malting it more specific rather than a blanket ordinance .
Mr. Dahilig noted that one of the predominant concerns is that if they continue to
promote the ability to develop land as is allowed in the current code, their historic form will
essentially be a sea of asphalt and parl6ng lots; a situation they are trying to prevent by
establishing this ordinance; elements of flexibility can be built into this ordinance.
In response to Ms. Sheehan' s question, Mr. Dahilig explained the process of working on
this proposed ordinance, which will include a public hearing portion, as well as additional
meetings if the Commission so desires .
Ms . Aiu stated the Commission would like to have a workshop meeting to obtain more
information, and strongly feels that the Department should meet with stakeholders in other
communities as their feedback will specifically relate to their respective towns.
Ms. Gray expressed her concern about the traffic along Rice Street, noting that the
County has taken away their street-side parking which has affected their business. She also
commented that she is concerned for the safety of pedestrians as many people speed through
town, and do not seem to abide by the speed limit. Mr. Hull noted that a component of the
ordinance will address speed limits through town.
Mr . Dahilig added that the Department has been looking at the traffic through town,
and ways to incorporate the street as an actual destination as opposed to just a pass-through
roadway to encourage pedestrian traffic in the area. This would potentially include narrowing
the lanes, creating bike lanes, adding more greenery, and limiting the gross vehicular weight
traffic.
Ms. Arinaga asked whether the input from the community will impact the Department' s
plans to which Mr. Dahilig replied that the public hearing is specifically for the purpose of
obtaining input, noting that they are making a great effort to engage those groups that will be
affected by this legislation; there will be ample time to get feedback from stakeholders and
members of the public.
Ms. Schneider suggested that the Department present design drawings for each town,
which will help visualize the potential infill.
Ms. Aiu commented that they must be diligent in enforcement as she has seen buildings
in special districts that have not followed through with what is written in an ordinance.
Mr. Dahilig replied that there is a civil fine ordinance that gives the Department the
opportunity to use monetary means to compel action in situations where the code is not being
adhered to .
November 7, 2013 K..H.P.KC, Meeting Minutes
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November 7, 2013 K.H.P.R.C. Meeting Minutes
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i
COMMUNICATIONS
Letter ( 1017/ 13 ) from Laurel Loo Shiramizu Loo & Nakamura on behalf of
Kikiaola Land Company, Ltd. regarding the Chinese Cemetery Access, Kikiaola,
Kauai TMK: (4) 1 -2-013-041
Laurel Loo, on behalf of Kikiaola Land Company, along with Mike Faye, provided an
overview of the proposed development as explained in their letter to the Commission. (On tile)
Ms. Loo noted that one of the conditions of the subdivision was that the traditional
access to the Chinese cemetery be closed off; however, they have support from the community
as well as other entities to keep the traditional access open. Kikiaola Land Company is asking
for the Commission' s support to allow them to go back before the Planning Subdivision
Committee for reconsideration, allowing the traditional access to be maintained; residential
access to the subdivision will be a separate access .
Ms. Aiu asked for clarification that there is currently a traditional road to the cemetery,
and that was going to be closed, and a new road created. The applicant is now asking the
Commission to support their efforts to keep the traditional road to which Ms. Loo replied
correct, for the traditional users of that cemetery.
In response to Ms . Aiu, Mr. Faye provided historical background of the Chinese
cemetery, and its location relative to their property line. Because . the cemetery falls on
Mdaola' s private property, there was a concern raised by the County on who would maintain it;
Kikiaola Land Company has volunteered to maintain the cemetery in perpetuity. Mr. Faye
noted that the cemetery land can only be used as a burial site; no houses can be built on it. The
current designation states one access; however, with the type of large mansions expected to be
built on these lots, it was undesirable to local families to have to cross through the properties of
these mega-estates to get to the cemetery. The traditional access is within the first 50 feet of
the property, right along the edge . He would like to ask the Commission for a letter of support
to continue the use of that access.
Ms. Sheehan asked if there is still room for burials in the cemetery, and are people
continuing to be buried there to which Mr. Faye replied the most recent burial was about eight
to ten years ago; however, there is room for more. Ms . Loo distributed an aerial map of the
property to assist the Commission.
Ms. Schneider asked if the easements will be recorded with the Bureau of Conveyances
to which Mr. Faye replied yes, and explained the process by which that would occur. In
response to Ms. Schneider' s concern, Mr. Faye ensured that there is no way anything can be
built on the cemetery property.
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In response to the Commission' s questions, Mr. Faye clarified that all the letters they
received were in support of keeping the traditional access.
Mr. Jung explained the process that would follow should the Commission decide to
provide a letter of support, and offered suggested language to be included .
On the motion by Althea Arinaga and seconded by Patsy Sheehan to accept the
language as stated, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Class IVZoning Permit Z-N-2013- 17 Project Development Use Permit PDU-2013 - 15 ,
and Use Permit U-2013 - 14 to develop a research complex facilitating research in various
dormitory buildings various accessory structures and provision for off-street parking, Tax Map
Key: 5 2 013 . 001 Kilauea Kauai Hawaii = The Resonance Project Foundation .
Project Manager Gregory Robison and Land Manager Tammy Davis of the Resonance
Project were present. Mr. Robison stated they closely reviewed the Commission' s comments,
noting the great importance they place on stewardship and management of this landmark.
Ms. Davis stated that she reviewed documents at the Historical Society on the sugar
plantation, including construction methods, and continues to share what information she has
gathered with those who visit. Though they are new to the community they have been meeting
people who have ties to the property and its history, inviting them to take a tour of the
property. Mr. Robison mentioned that another research project they are undertaking is getting
into National Park Service standards and becoming a steward of a historical property.
Mr. Robison mentioned the proposal made about a year and a half ago for the re-
roofing of the Plantation Manager' s house, noting that had been completed. He explained that
the project' s founder and director chose the blue color for the roof, and commented that he
learned a lot about the building during the re-roofing process and seeing what was underneath.
Mr. Long asked what was underneath, and whether or not it was blue to which Mr.
Robison replied it was a quilt of many different substrates with many roofs underneath some of
which were hot mopped, made of generally asphaltic materials. The roof colors they uncovered
were mostly dark grays and blacks.
Mr. Robison stated that as Property Manager, he has made it his kuleana to be the on-
site representative to communicate the importance of this asset. They have commissioned an
as-built architectural study and documentation of the Plantation Manager' s house as there
were no existing plans for the house when it was purchased.
A slideshow on the revisions made to the project plan based on the Commission' s
specific concerns was presented. (On file)
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Mr. Robison addressed the Commission' s question on the significance of the dome
structure. which mirrors the Foundation' s logo, explaining its relation to the organization' s study
of unified field theory, which is based on geometry. The dome will be used for gatherings,
lectures, or group class activities .
Ms. Schneider asked how the dome relates to the historic building to which Ms . Davis
explained that Naseem, the research director, has resolved some Einstein field equations using
geometry, which is the basic foundation of his theories. The educational programs will focus on
understanding the fundamental forces of nature, and everything in the material world using
geometry.
Mr. Robison explained that the lawn from the house slopes downward, with the lower
elevation being about 20 feet below the top of the slope. The dome would be placed on the
lower part of the slope . The dome itself is 25 feet with a raised platform of three to five feet;
the visible area of the dome will be no snore than 10 feet above the top of the slope where the
house is .
Ms. Schneider asked to clarify whether the dome would be white to which Ms. Davis
replied yes, and pointed out the illustration of the dome on the property to show how the
landscaping hides the dome from view; the dome could be screened with landscaping.
. Ms. Sheehan asked if it would be used at night, and if it would have electricity and
lighting to which Mr. Robison replied that there is currently an event permit on the site that
allows gatherings of up to 100 people per gathering per month, or up to 50 people at two
gatherings per month. It would have electricity, and will have a projector unit and screen that
would not be visible from the outside.
In response to Ms . Sheehan' s question, Mr. Robison stated there will be no bathroom
facilities planned; there are existing bathroom facilities, and more are proposed to be
constructed on the property to serve that need.
In reference to the previously proposed underground research facility, one residential
housing pod, and temporary office facilities that are now being removed, Mr. Long asked if they
were being removed from the program, or just incorporated into a different building on the
plan. Mr. Robison replied that the research and science , and administrative office facilities will
be combined and incorporated into the existing carriage house, which they are proposing to be
expanded to include a second story. Ms. Davis added that with the landscape screening, you
can't see the current building from any viewpoint of the house, and feels that it will remain
hidden even with the second story added .
Mr. Robison stated that the carriage house is considered the main part of the
development; the dome is secondary, part of Phase H of the project, and will not be done until
the following year. The new building will be approximately 5 ,000 square feet, and includes a
basement, which will serve as both an underground hurricane shelter as well as a research
November 7. 2013 K.H.P.R.C. Meeting Minutes
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area. They are looking at FEMA guidelines to try to obtain a grant to create a community
hurricane shelter under government guidelines . Ms. Schneider asked how big it would be and
how many people it would shelter to which Mr. Robison replied that it would be 1 ,278 square
feet, and would shelter a lot of people. Ms. Schneider noted that 1 ,200 square feet is the size
of a small house to which Ms. Robison replied they will be working with FEMA to determine
capacity.
Mr. Robison explained the process in which they refurbished the shade house using all
reclaimed wood and historical details such as antique barn hardware and period light fixtures
made in the same decade that the shade house was built. A septic system was installed, which
is not tied into anything, and they are proposing to install a couple of single stall restrooms
there to complete it as a dwelling.
Ms. Schneider asked if the septic system is sized for their proposed 100 person events to
which Mr. Robison replied the septic system is maxed at a 5 -bedroom system, even though the
unit only has two or three bedrooms.
Mr. Robison commented that during the installation of the septic system, they came
across an old trash dump , and documented those findings. Upon hiring an archaeologist, they
found that the dump pre-dated the house by 50 years; bottles found at the site are from the
1800' s, which included Lea & Perrin' s Worcestershire sauce, Clorox bleach, and Pond' s facial
cream. A formal archaeological study has been completed and provided to the State Historic
Preservation Division.
In reference to the containers on site, Mr. Robison explained they are currently being
used as storage, but some of them will be used for the underground shelter, reinforced with
concrete and covered with earth. There is an existing container on site , but as noted in the
photo provided, the trees surrounding it hide it from view; they are proposing to add an
additional above-ground container right next to it. The containers will be painted, insulated,
and modified to blend in with the foliage; they cannot be seen from the house .
Mr. Long commented that in the photo provided, you can see the container from the
house to which Mr. Robison replied they could add strategic landscaping to hide it. Mr. Long
further commented that all this money was spent on architectural detailing, yet they are set on
using containers for storage. He asked why not construct storage space to which. Mr. Robison
explained some of the pros of using containers are : they are secure, weather-proof,
economical, and its unitized nature can be picked up and moved. The scientific aspects of the
containers , which must be made of steel, have a metal skin that is required to prevent outside
electro-magnetic influences, or radio waves from infiltrating sensitive electronic experiments;
the steel containers will shield the hyper-sensitive equipment from those elements .
Ms. Gray asked if the containers will be air-conditioned as they will get very hot to
which Mr. Robison replied insulation and air-conditioning will be added to the containers . Also,
the containers will always be in the shade . There are some containers in the rear yard, which
are used for storage of tools , and are completely screened from view; the other two containers
November 7, 2013 K.H.P.R.C. Meeting Minutes
Page 10
will be underground. Mr. Long asked how the underground containers will be accessed to
which Mr. Robison explained there will be a staircase and an elevator leading down to the
container, and pointed out the location of the staircase and elevator shaft.
Ms. Schneider asked what the water table is in that area to which Mr. Robison stated
they have done test holes down to eight feet and have not encountered any ground water;
testing took place during the winter. There is a well on the property that is 300 — 400 feet
down and is completely dry.
To address the Commission's comments on the construction of garden sheds, Mr..
Robison noted them in the drawings and explained they are being constructed in a way that
does not require permits; the sheds are less than 200 feet, and not used as dwellings. They are
using Hawaiian and reclaimed materials, and building in a traditional style .
Ms. Aiu noted that the Commission had discussed taping a trip out to the site, noting it
would help the Commission visually understand the plans . She asked if the applicants would
mind if they did a site visit possibly before the next meeting. Mr. Robison stated he would be
honored to have the Commission over for a tour; however, he noted that they are scheduled
for the Planning Commission on November 12.
Ms. A.iu expressed her reservations on the dome, and Ms. Gray asked if the dome would
be lit up at night, and will the community be able to see the rays of light. Mr. Robison replied
absolutely not . Ms . Davis added that there are very tall trees of bamboo and vegetation
surrounding the area. Ms. Gray asked if there will be sound coming from the dome to which
Mr . Robison replied not emanating outside, further noting he would be okay with including a
condition that states no light will emanate from the dome.
Mr. Jung stated for clarification that when the Planning Commission deals with projects
in the North Shore planning district, there are conditions imposed that require downward
shielded lights to avoid potential impact to native wildlife.
Mr. Robison commented there is not any residence within 1 ,000 feet of the dome site .
What little noise generated from a gathering would not be heard beyond the boundaries of the
land .
Ms. Annaga expressed her hesitancy about the dome, noting she has many questions
about it, and there does not seem to be a direct plan for it yet. Mr. Robison stated the dome
dimensions, noting that a drawing is included in the plan submittal packet. He explained it
would be used for yoga, lectures, etc. Ms . Davis explained the past uses for the dome at their
previous site included staff meetings, discussions, lectures, demonstrations , presentations, etc.
Ms . Schneider commented that she would prefer to see something more sympathetic to
the house to which Ms . Davis replied that their organization is excited about preserving and
respecting the history of the land. Ms. Davis stated she is in tune with Hawaiian agriculture and
will be bringing in traditional crops such as sugar cane, pineapple, and bread fruit. She also
November 7, 2013 K.H.P.R.C, Meeting Minutes
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noted that they recognize the historical significance to the community, and that their
organization represents the future, how to use energy in a way that is beneficial to all beings;
they are bringing the best of the old, and moving forward with what is new.
Mr. Robison commented that the nature of the geodesic dome structures is not
necessarily a long-term structure; it' s essentially a high-end tent. It will not be there forever,
and is easily dismantled .
Ms. Griffin stated the issue of the dome from a historic preservation standpoint is how it
affects the landscaping, and history of the site as the house sits in a larger historical place . She
noted that the sweeping lawn that descends from the house all the way down is a really
important aspect of the historical context. She questioned the placement of the dome to an
area less intrusive to the placement of the position of the house, which takes advantage of the
lawn expanse that says a lot about how plantation managers viewed themselves.
Due to time constraints, the current item was postponed. The current Unfinished
Business item resumed immediately following New Business .
NEW :BUSINESS
Letter 9 / 18 / 13 from Michael Hunnemann KAIHawai'i Inc. requesting to present pl aps
for upgrades on Opaekaa Bridge Kapahi Bridge and Puuopae Bridge on behalf of the
Department of Public Works County of Kauai.
Mike Hunnemann of KAI Hawaii and Tonia Moy of Fung & Associates presented a
Powerpoint slideshow on the bridge plans . (On file)
Ms . Griffin asked for clarification on the wall proposed to be constructed on the
Puuopae Bridge, noting that it appears to be translucent in the plans . Mr. Hunnemann
explained the purpose of the wall would be to disguise the length of the extended steel girder
at the end of the bridge. Part of the wall will be buried . Mr. Long noted that there is a certain
beauty to the industrial design of seeing a girder, and asked that they look at whether it is
required to build that wall, and determine if it is really a visual mitigation, or just more
concrete . Mr. Hunnemann stated they felt adding the concrete would retain the appearance of
the bridge length.
On the motion by Anne Schneider and seconded by Althea Armaga to accept no
adverse effects of the bridge plans, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Cunt.}
Class W Zoning Permit Z-IV-2013 - 17 Project Development Use Permit PDU-2013 - 15
November 7, 2613 K.H,P,R.C. Meeting Minutes
Page 12
and Use Permit U-2013 -14 to develop a research complex facilitating research in various
dormitory buildings various accessory structuresi and provision for off-street parking, Tax Map
Key: 5 -2-013 : 00 1 , Mauea Kauai Hawaii = The Resonance Project Foundation ,
Ms . Aiu summarized that the Commission likes what the applicant has done so far, but
they are still uneasy about the dome structure, and are hoping to minimize the impacts.
1 Ms. Sheehan asked for clarification on Building W to which Mr. Robison explained that
Building W is a house that is proposed to be built in the future . He provided a floor plan, and
explained it is a ten bedroom residential dwelling that will be used as a dormitory, which will be
located hundreds of feet away from the existing structures. Ms. Davis added they are currently
renting three different properties, and the purpose of the dormitory is to enable them to have
scientists on-site in the same area. Ms. Sheehan asked if it is for employees or visitors to which
Mr. Robison replied it is for collaborative scientific personnel . They currently host a number of
scientific personnel with advanced degrees, noting that the biggest concept of this project is to
have a collaborative research park environment where all the needs are met. In response to
Ms. Sheehan, Mr. Robison stated this development would be part of Phase II.
Ms . Sheehan asked what the main house will be used for to which Mr. Robison replied it
is being used as a residence that will always be occupied with rotating staff. Ms. Sheehan
stated that the other buildings are situated away from the house, and noted that the parking
area seems to be in the middle of nowhere , which may be problematic if it is raining. She
questioned the purpose of having the one parking area in its current location as opposed to
small parking areas near the other buildings. Ms. Davis stated they do not like to have a lot of
cars near the front of the house, or the other buildings. They have provided visiting staff with
bicycles and electric golf carts, which ties into their goal of decreasing fossil. fuels . Ms. Sheehan
commented that she would like to see in the plans a way to screen the parking lot from view.
Mr. Robison provided an aerial view of the entire property, pointing out the locations of
the various buildings and structures in the proposed plan. He noted the parking lot will not be
paved, but they will cover it with permeable gravel or bricks .
Mr. Robison addressed Ms . Griffin's previous question on whether they had considered
other sites for the dome . He noted its particular location was chosen because of the difference
in elevation and the partial screening the existing mature greenery would provide; additional
fast growing greenery will be planted .
Mr. Long pointed out an area on the aerial photo, asking for clarification that it would
no longer be lawn, but an orchard to which Ms . Davis replied yes, and further explained the
location.
Ms. Griffin stated that she is sure there are strong reasons and considerations for the
dome' s dimensions, and asked for clarification on the height of the platform . Mr. Robison
explained the purpose of the platform is so the dome can be adjusted to the existing
topography, and avoid any grading. He explained the dimensions of the dome, stating it would
November 7, 2013 K.H.P.R.C, Meeting Minutes
Page 13
be placed at the bottom of the slope . Ms. Davis added that the done would not be visible to
anyone other than visitors to the property. Ms . Schneider pointed out that their consideration
is the dome in relationship to the house .
Nis . Griffin noted that significant changes for minimization have been made with
consideration to the community as well as to the Commission's concerns, and noted the need
to adapt as times change . The question becomes how to do that without compromising the
integrity of the intent of the historic structure .
Mr. Robison stated upon looking at the nomination for the historic registry, they
discovered that main house alone is registered with the National Park Service, not any of the
ancillary structures, and not even the site itself. The actual wording includes the Manager' s
House and the area immediately adjacent to it. Ms . Griffin replied that it is true, but they also
look at things that are eligible, and treat them in the same way to which Mr. Robison stated he
is in agreement, and holds it in a broader sense than the letter of the registry.
Ms. Sheehan asked if they have kept his neighbor informed of everything, noting the
dome is fairly close to his property. Mr. Robison replied yes, noting that the neighbors did have
some concerns , which the applicant immediately tools into consideration, complying with every
request. Ms. Davis added that it has been an opportunity to get to know their neighbors and
learn about their ties to the property and the community.
Mr. Long thanked the applicant for mitigating the Commission's and the community' s
concerns. Referencing the storage containers, he said if that is required to house their scientific
activities, he would like to request that the public face of the containers is treated as sensitively
as other structures on the property. Considering that Building W is part of Phase III, Mr. Long
suggested that it come back before the Commission before that building is approved.
Referencing the dome structure, Mr. Long would prefer that it be omitted from the design
because he does not see any historical significance , and he believes it adversely affects the lawn
area of this estate . However, if the dome should remain and be placed in this area, he would
Eke to request that it be camouflaged with natural colors and materials (not white), that it be
heavily landscaped with indigenous or endemic plants, and that the mass of the dome be
minimized by using slab on grade design starting at the lower level of the slope .
On the motion by Stephen Long and seconded by Althea Arinaga for
recommendations to the Planning Commission to omit the architectural dome from the
design plan, or mitigate adverse effects by including the conditions as stated, the motion
carried by unanimous voice vote.
Lorna Nishimitsu noted that Jonathan Chun may address whether this Commission has
the authority or jurisdiction to make restrictions on portions of the property that is not
registered with the Federal government. Ms. Aiu stated that they are an advisory Commission,
and they are only making recommendations on what they would like to see .
November 7, 2013 KH.P.R.C. Meeting Minutes
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SELECTION OF MEETING DATE AND AGENDA TOPICS
The next meeting was scheduled on December 5 , 2013 .
November 7, 2013 K.H.P.R.C. Meeting Minutes
Page 15
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6 :20 p .m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cherisse Zaima
Commission Support Clerk
Date :