Kailua Urban Design Task Force

Mission Statement

We developed our existing guidelines some years ago, as a reflection of the input from the citizens via the Town Parties, the various studies that have been done for Kailua over the years, and, the Ko'olaupoko Community Development Plan. In all, the ringing endorsement has been to keep a rural, small town atmosphere appropriate to its "beach town" history. That credo hasn't changed, despite the influx of nationally branded stores that have begun to populate the main thoroughfare. As such, it would seem that little needs to be changed with the guidelines, and, that we as a body should continue to urge new businesses, who claim to be good stewards of the community, to embrace some elements of the "look" that the townspeople prefer.

Tourism studies show that the attraction of a town is its innate character, and, it is strengthened by businesses conforming, if you will, to its character. We would urge again, as we believe this body has requested in the past, that stores and office buildings try to integrate some of the design elements found

in the Design Guidelines into their storefronts. To be sure, the citizens of Kailua do not want downtown Kailua to have the identical curbside store treatment as "anywhere suburbia."

Quality, decorative elements have been woven into recent building fronts that lend a unique, natural appeal in order to "soften" an otherwise stark edifice. The sculptural bas-relief panels on the 4-story parking garage would be one example.
All-in-all, we suggest a "friendly" appeal!