Council Bills and Resolutions Text

(1)    Within the mauka precincts, height limits are identified on Exhibit 21-9.9, set out at the end of this article.

(2)    To minimize the visual intrusion of towers on Chinatown streetscapes, the following height setback shall apply to any portion of a building over 40 feet in height: Each foot of additional height shall be set back one foot from every front property line for the first 40 feet measured horizontally across the lot (refer to sketch on Exhibit 21-9.9, set out at the end of this article).

(3)    The director may grant exceptions to special district height limits, not to exceed the height regulations for the underlying zoning district, if the applicant can demonstrate the following:

(A)    That the proposed construction would not substantially diminish any views from any of the prominent public vantage points described for the special district; or

(B)    That the extra height is necessary to achieve some significant public objective. Such demonstrations shall include:

(i)    Information which provides a basis for the objective in terms of a public need or problem;

(ii)    Other reasonable alternatives to achieve the objective; and

(iii)    An appropriate analysis of the alternatives which indicate that the proposed construction is the most beneficial to the public's interest. "

    SECTION 5. Section 21-9.60-8, ("Historic core precinct objectives") Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 1990, as amended, is amended by adding a subsection (d) to read as follows:

"(d)    Encourage one- and two-family dwelling use to provide a variety of compatible uses which would contribute to the precinct’s social and economic vitality."

    SECTION 6. Section 21-9.60-9, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 1990, as amended, is amended to read as follows:

" Sec. 21-9.609    Historic core precinct development standards.

(a)    Maximum Heights.

Within the historic core precinct, new structures shall not exceed 40 feet.

(b)    Open Space and Landscaping.

(1)    Open space is encouraged in the form of small-scaled interior landscaped courtyards and interior pedestrian walkways.

(2)    Street trees shall not be required. Any trees planted within a front yard or sidewalk area shall take into consideration the objectives of the precinct, especially the desire for continuous building frontages and sidewalk canopies, as well as traffic and pedestrian safety.

(3)    Along Hotel Street, street trees may complement its strong retail character and public transit corridor function. They shall be a minimum of twoinch caliper. Species and spacing shall be chosen from an approved tree list on file with the department and the department of parks and recreation.

(c)    Required Yards.

(1)    There shall be no required yards.

(2)    All buildings on the same block face shall form a continuous street facade, except for necessary driveways, pedestrian entryways and small open space pockets.

(d)    Permitted Uses. Ground floor spaces should be used exclusively for retail commercial uses, or light food manufacturing of an ethnic nature such as noodlemaking, compatible with the objectives for Chinatown. One- and two-family dwellings are permitted, if located above the ground floor.

(e)    Parking Exemption. Dwelling units, hotels, boarding facilities, and group living facilities within the 40foot height limit shall be exempt from offstreet parking requirements.

(f)    Design Guidelines. All street facades shall meet the requirements of Section 21-9.60-12, street facade guidelines."

    SECTION 7. Section 21-9.60-10, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 1990, as amended, is amended to read as follows:

" Sec. 21-9.60-10    Makai precinct objectives.

Makai precinct objectives are as follows:

(a)    Provide for expansion of housing and office development from the central business district, compatible with the overall revitalization of Chinatown, including an active retailoriented ground level and distinctive facade treatments.

(b)    Create a transition between the highrise central business district and the historic core of Chinatown.

(c)    Preserve and enhance the entry into the historic core of Chinatown along King Street and Nimitz Highway.

[(c)]    (d) Provide a visible connection between Aala Park and the interior of Chinatown and Nimitz Highway and the interior of Chinatown.

[(d)]    (e) Develop a continuous street landscaping theme along Nimitz Highway to emphasize its role as a major access way into the central business district and Waikiki. "

    SECTION 8. Section 21-9.60-11, ("Makai precinct development standards") Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 1990, as amended, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

"(b)    Open Space and Landscaping.

(1)    Where there are lowlevel rooftops, roof gardens should be provided. Otherwise, open space shall be provided in the form of landscaped front yards along Nimitz Highway. Landscaped interior courts are also encouraged.

(2)    [With the exception of Nimitz Highway, street trees shall not be required.] Street trees should be provided, as needed, to complement adjoining development and minimize the intrusion of towers on Chinatown street scenes. Tree specie, spacing and size shall be in accordance with the City’s tree planting standards or as approved by the director. Any proposals for trees within a front yard or sidewalk shall take into consideration the objectives of the district, including the provisions of sidewalk canopies, a strong continuous street frontage and traffic safety.

(3)    Along Nimitz Highway, three coconut palm trees (Cocos nucifera) shall be provided for every 50 feet of street frontage. Palm trees with a minimum trunk height of 15 feet shall be clustered together rather than evenly spaced. In addition, all parking structures fronting Nimitz Highway shall have planter boxes along the length of the facade on all floors. Bougainvillea shall be planted and maintained in these planter boxes. The director may approve substitute plants due to physical constraints. "

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                 Councilmembers

DATE OF INTRODUCTION:

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Honolulu, Hawaii

APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:

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Deputy Corporation Counsel

APPROVED this ______ day of ________________,200__.

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Jeremy Harris, Mayor
City and County of Honolulu