Implementation of the district objectives shall consist primarily of open space requirements, building height limitations, yard requirements, tree plantings along streets, and sign controls. Specific regulations are enumerated below.
The district shall consist of four precincts as indicated on Exhibit 21-9.11. Special restrictions for the precincts are as follows:
(a) Open space. The percentage of open space shall be as required by the underlying zoning district, except for the following precincts:
(1) One hundred percent for precinct one, King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square. The intent is to maintain the existing character and landscape elements in the square and to prohibit all permanent structures, except for public restrooms and the enhancement and function of the landscaped square as a passive park;
(2) Fifty percent for precinct two, Honolulu Museum of Art. The intent is to maintain a maximum amount of open space along Beretania Street to complement and extend the landscaped qualities of King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square; and
(3) Sixty percent for Neal S. Blaisdell Center within precinct three. The intent is to maintain a park-like setting for the structures of the center by maximizing landscaping on the site and extending the visual open space qualities of King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square along Ward Avenue to and including Kapiolani Boulevard;
(b) Building heights and setbacks.
(1) Permitted maximum heights of buildings and structures, and height setbacks shall be as indicated in Exhibits 21-9.11 and 21-9.12.
(2) The director may exempt the following architectural features from the height regulations; provided that they are erected only to such height as is necessary to accomplish the purpose for which they serve, but in no case exceeding 12 feet above the maximum height limit. These building elements may be exempted only if the director finds they do not obstruct any significant views which are to be preserved, protected, and enhanced, and are consistent with the intent and objectives of the King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square/Honolulu Museum of Art special district:
(A) Necessary mechanical appurtenances of the building on which they are erected; provided that they are screened from view;
(B) Necessary utilitarian features, including stairwell enclosures, ventilators, and skylights; and
(C) Decorative or recreational features, including rooftop gardens, planter boxes, flagpoles, parapet walls, or ornamental cornices; and
(3) Except for flagpoles and smokestacks, all items listed in § 21-4.60(c) shall also be exempt from the height provisions of this subsection;
(c) Landscaping.
(1) All required yards shall be landscaped and maintained with a minimum of 75 percent of the area devoted exclusively to plant material rooted directly in the ground or permanently fixed plant containers;
(2) Street trees shall be provided in conformance with subdivision (4) and shall be a minimum 2-inch caliper, except palms which shall have a minimum trunk height of 15 feet. Exceptions to this subsection to accommodate special conditions shall be reviewed and may be approved by the director;
(3) Vertical form trees shall be planted and maintained along the front yard perimeter of parking structures to reduce the visual impact of blank walls and parked vehicles. One tree shall be planted for every 20 feet of linear building length. Acceptable tree species include coconut palms, paperbark, and eucalyptus. If there is sufficient space, canopy form trees may be substituted. Alternatively, planter boxes with vines may be provided on the facade of every parking level;
(4) The character and standards for major landscaping in the sidewalk area and required yards are delineated below. All tree planting shall be in conformance with the requirements and standards shown on Exhibit 21-9.4, except that alternative species, especially native Hawaiian or species long present and common to the Hawaiian islands, including flowering varieties, shall be encouraged and may be substituted in all instances upon approval by the director;
(A) King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square and the Honolulu Museum of Art.
(i) Unless otherwise provided, all landscaping and tree planting located in, or adjacent to required yards shall be subject to review and approval; and
(ii) All new landscaping and tree planting shall preserve, enhance, and complement the existing trees and landscaping;
(B) Kinau Street and Victoria Street (from Kinau Street to H-1 Freeway).
(i) Character. Continuous planting of medium- sized canopy street trees between the sidewalk and buildings to provide a transition of scale to taller structures;
(ii) Street tree species. Alibangbang (Bahina binata);
(iii) Maximum spacing. 25 feet on center; and
(iv) Location. In the sidewalk area;
(C) Beretania Street (except from Ward Avenue to Victoria Street).
(i) Character. A major approach street to the Hawaii capital district with a continuous canopy of large trees. Hedges, walls, fences, and high plant material or shrubs near the sidewalk would not be appropriate;
(ii) Street tree species. Monkeypod (Samanea saman) or True Kou (Cordia Subcordata);
(iii) Maximum spacing. 60 feet on center;
(iv) Location. Within the required front yard; and
(v) Other landscaping and landscape elements. Shall not exceed 2 feet in height within the first 10 feet of the front yard, including fences and walls;
(D) Hotel Street and Young Street.
(i) Character. A formal continuation of the entry walks focusing on the fountain and banyan trees of King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square with preservation of views to and from King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square;
(ii) Street tree species. Alibangbang (Bahina binata);
(iii) Maximum spacing. 25 feet on center; and
(iv) Location. In the sidewalk area;
(E) South King Street (except from Ward Avenue to Victoria Street).
(i) Character. A major street of flowering trees. Other trees and landscaping should give evidence of variety to contrast and complement the continuity of the street trees;
(ii) Street tree species. Rainbow Shower (Cassia hybrida) or Monkeypod (Samanea saman);
(iii) Maximum spacing. 30 to 50 feet on center for Rainbow Shower and 50 feet on center for Monkeypod; and
(iv) Location. First 5 feet of required front yard;
(F) Ward Avenue (from South King Street to H-1 Freeway except for the Diamond Head side at King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square and the Honolulu Museum of Art) and Victoria Street (from South King Street to Kinau Street except for the Ewa side at King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square and the Honolulu Museum of Art).
(i) Character. Large canopy trees to complement the Honolulu Museum of Art and King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square and provide continuity of streetscape from Kapiolani Boulevard to the H-1 Freeway;
(ii) Street tree species. Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia): in combination with Monkeypod (Samanea saman) opposite King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square only;
(iii) Maximum spacing. 60 feet on center;
(iv) Location. Within the first 5 feet of the front yard; and
(v) Other landscaping and landscape elements. Fronting King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square and the Honolulu Museum of Art shall not exceed 2 feet in height within the first 10 feet of the front yard;
(G) Ward Avenue (from Kapiolani Boulevard to South King Street) and South King Street (makai side from Ward Avenue to Victoria Street).
(i) Character. Extension of the open “palm grove” at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center with interspersed lower canopy planting to vary scale and provide color along the street, and to provide continuity of streetscape from Kapiolani Boulevard to the H-1 Freeway;
(ii) Street tree species. Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia), and coconut palm (Cocos nucifera);
(iii) Quantity. Three palm trees and one Royal Poinciana tree shall be provided per 100 feet of street frontage;
(iv) Location. Palm trees within the front yard and informally grouped; Royal Poinciana trees within 5 feet of the front yard and interspersed with the palms. Royal Poinciana trees shall be used only on the Ewa side of Ward Avenue and along the front of the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall; and
(v) Other landscaping and landscape elements. Shall not exceed 2 feet in height except at the last 5 feet of the front yard; and
(H) Except as provided, all fences or walls exceeding 36 inches in height shall be set back a minimum of 18 inches along all street frontages and landscaped with vine, hedge, or other approved planting on the street sides;
(5) Any tree 6 inches or greater in trunk diameter shall not be removed or destroyed except as follows:
(A) The tree is not visible from any street, park, or other public viewing area;
(B) Appropriate development of the site cannot be achieved without removal of the tree;
(C) The tree is a hazard to the public safety or welfare;
(D) The tree is dead, diseased, or otherwise irretrievably damaged; and
(E) The applicant can demonstrate the tree is unnecessary due to overcrowding of vegetation;
(6) Any tree removed which is visible from any street, park, or other public viewing area shall be replaced by an approved tree of minimum 2-inch caliper or by alternative-approved landscaping material, unless the replacement results in overcrowded vegetation; and
(7) Where possible, trees proposed for removal shall be relocated to another area of the project site;
(d) Signs. Signs that directly front King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square or the Honolulu Museum of Art, or both, shall not be directly illuminated, have moving parts, luminous paints, or reflective materials. Any illumination shall be from a detached source shielded from direct view. Box fluorescent signs shall not be allowed; and
(e) Exterior lighting. Lighting fronting King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square or the Honolulu Museum of Art, or both, shall recognize the serene quality of these resources, and shall be subdued so as not to produce glare to surrounding property and public viewing areas. Fluorescent or high intensity lamps shall not be permitted.
(1990 Code, Ch. 21, Art. 9, § 21-9.70-4) (Added by Ord. 99-12)