Billboards?

[dick]

http://starbulletin.com/2006/04/25/b...s/story02.html

In that story, there's a note about how the Wave Waikiki wave mural was painted over due to complaints from the Outdoor Circle about how it was a "billboard."

While I have a fair amount of respect for the Outdoor Circle and all that that they do, this was a travesty.

Where were they when Wyland was painting all of his murals all over town? Completely garish non-art swill, painted to the Nth power at 17 stories... of course, his name is written very largely on all of these "pieces." That, to me, constitutes a billboard. Those sickening "whaling walls" are, in fact, advertisements for Wyland's so-called "art."

How this slipped through the cracks, I know not... but it has bothered me for years....

[kimo55]

Re: Billboards?

good point. Must be wyland and da soikle are "in bed togeddah"

[Menehune Man]

Re: Billboards?

http://starbulletin.com/2006/04/25/b...s/story02.html

In that story, there's a note about how the Wave Waikiki wave mural was painted over due to complaints from the Outdoor Circle about how it was a "billboard."

While I have a fair amount of respect for the Outdoor Circle and all that that they do, this was a travesty.

Where were they when Wyland was painting all of his murals all over town? Completely garish non-art swill, painted to the Nth power at 17 stories... of course, his name is written very largely on all of these "pieces." That, to me, constitutes a billboard. Those sickening "whaling walls" are, in fact, advertisements for Wyland's so-called "art."

How this slipped through the cracks, I know not... but it has bothered me for years....

Personally I like Wyland's paintings, but you are correct they do constitute a billboard of sorts. The "Wave" 's painting was no worse and then they were allowed to paint the abstract colored coconut tree scene. Interesting, eh?!

[p0id0g]

Re: Billboards?

i wonder how the outdoor circle has so much time on their hands to go after people like the wave. there's a big difference between "billboards" that have been attacked by the outdoor circle and others -- such as the wave waikiki, the Dave & Buster's sign, and the Macy's sign at Kahala Mall -- and REAL billboards, like the hideous ones that can be found all over the mainland.

things wouldn't be so bad if the buildings in honolulu didn't look so drab to begin with.

[Glen Miyashiro]

Re: Billboards?

i wonder how the outdoor circle has so much time on their hands to go after people like the wave.

Historically, the Outdoor Circle started out as a group of wives of rich men. So yeah, they did have some time on their hands.

there's a big difference between "billboards" that have been attacked by the outdoor circle and others -- such as the wave waikiki, the Dave & Buster's sign, and the Macy's sign at Kahala Mall -- and REAL billboards, like the hideous ones that can be found all over the mainland.

The question is, where do you draw that line.

things wouldn't be so bad if the buildings in honolulu didn't look so drab to begin with.

Huh? Explain. What "things" do you mean that are so bad now? And what is it that makes Honolulu's buildings "drab"?

[Pua'i Mana'o]

Re: Billboards?

http://starbulletin.com/2006/04/25/b...s/story02.html

In that story, there's a note about how the Wave Waikiki wave mural was painted over due to complaints from the Outdoor Circle about how it was a "billboard."

While I have a fair amount of respect for the Outdoor Circle and all that that they do, this was a travesty.

Where were they when Wyland was painting all of his murals all over town? Completely garish non-art swill, painted to the Nth power at 17 stories... of course, his name is written very largely on all of these "pieces." That, to me, constitutes a billboard. Those sickening "whaling walls" are, in fact, advertisements for Wyland's so-called "art."

How this slipped through the cracks, I know not... but it has bothered me for years....

Fie on Wyland, Larsen, and all those other evil arteests whose seascapes make me wanna grab for the wesson and my wok and fry da buggas til crispy!

[pzarquon]

Re: Billboards?

I'm not a fan of Wyland, either, so I think the comparison between that "art" and the art of The Wave Waikiki's old mural is a fair one. One could also comfortably say that The Wave's "wave" mural was hardly as huge a commercial asset to the club as Wyland's giant paintings were to his global sales of marine art. It is hard to draw a line in some cases, and I agree with Dick that The Outdoor Circle erred in its call against The Wave. A matter which, of course, is moot now.

I also found the whole 'soda machine' situation a bit entertaining. Though I admit, I do like a prefer flag or waterfall scene to a giant Pepsi logo.

But I also generally support The Outdoor Circle and am thankful both for its oft-credited basic accomplishment of keeping conventional billboards out of Hawaii, and for its efforts to fight visual blights in general.

For example, I'm glad they've at least raised the question about those AdWalls, ostensibly limited to "indoor" spaces but frequently not, and about how aggressive advertising should be limited in public places and spaces (i.e. government buildings), even if there's a door, gate, or roof. They're also not fans of the explosion of campaign signs at election time, nor mobile or aerial advertising, all things I also agree with.

Like the ACLU, or any other advocacy group, they have their "duh" moments. But overall, I'm glad they're there.

By the way, speaking of mobile advertising... those trucks that are designed to carry ads are annoying (the whole pro-life truck thing is a whole separate issue and argument in itself), but I find it funny that those rotating-ad trucks are a problem when there are also huge tractor trailers lumber along our streets with ten-foot tall Big Macs or teak entertainment centers plastered on the side.

As for "drab" buildings, p0id0g, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Sure, we have a heap of buildings that are devoid of any visual appeal, basically bunkers built to get the most space for the least expense. On the other hand, attempts to make "interesting looking" buildings are often also met with derision and protest. The Waikiki Landmark, or Harbor Court, or many other new buildings are hardly "drab," but the jury's still out on whether that's a good thing or not!

[Palolo Joe]

Re: Billboards?

By the way, speaking of mobile advertising... those trucks that are designed to carry ads are annoying (the whole pro-life truck thing is a whole separate issue and argument in itself), but I find it funny that those rotating-ad trucks are a problem when there are also huge tractor trailers lumber along our streets with ten-foot tall Big Macs or teak entertainment centers plastered on the side.

I think it's more hypocritical than funny... how can they get pissy about those rotating-ad trucks at all? And if they do, shouldn't they be crusading to get every commercial vehicle on the road painted over? Not just those beer and soda trucks, but UPS and FedEx trucks, etc. too?

I'm not saying we should have billboards on the side of the road here like there are on the mainland, but come on. Why can't The Bus have ads on the sides of its vehicles? Why can't taxis have ads on their roofs, like they do on the mainland?

[dick]

Re: Billboards?

I'm not saying we should have billboards on the side of the road here like there are on the mainland, but come on. Why can't The Bus have ads on the sides of its vehicles? Why can't taxis have ads on their roofs, like they do on the mainland?

I do find it odd that a Polynesian Cultural Center bus can have the entire bus covered in a giant ad for the place, but TheBus can't have any ads attached.

It's great that the Outdoor Circle has championed a billboard-free Hawaii, and for that I am thankful, but I just wish they would be more even with the signs they go after.

Also, as for the Wyland things, I really think they are eyesores. This goes along with some of those strange paintings on the sides of the storage buildings along Kapiolani Blvd. One can be seen when approaching Ward, heading in the Ewa direction. The other is near Piikoi, or Pensacola, same side of the building.

At least the name of the "artist" should be rendered very small. Perhaps a plaque at the foot of the building, or something.

[Miulang]

Re: Billboards?

We have a "Whaling wall" up here...it's a very large painting of a breaching orca (killer whale) on the side of a Seattle City light power plant. It's actually very tastefully done, and you can't really see his signature anywhere on it because of the size of the painting. I think the City of Seattle probably commissioned Wyland to paint it. Everytime I see it, I have to smile because of the Hawai'i connection.

Miulang

[craigwatanabe]

Re: Billboards?

Yeah me too imagine that Naked Whales on the side of buildings If it's gotta be naked keep it Human

The problem with the Wave Waikiki was that the wave that was painted was the monicker for the establishment so it was accurately defined as a billboard.

Personally I don't mind ads as long as they are done in good taste. The Wave mural was done in good taste. The Inspiration ads on the sides of the delivery trucks with that obviously underaged female sitting head on wearing provacative clothing and make up was a bit tasteless however and to me denoted mild child porn.

As far as drab buildings...Honolulu's Muni building, The twin Hoover Vacuum cleaners better known as One Waterfront Towers, The bizzare Nauru towers that look half completed, and all the two and three story walk up apartments that dot Kapiolani Blvd between Date and Waialae Avenue.

[kimo55]

Re: Billboards?

The problem with the Wave Waikiki was that the wave that was painted was the monicker for the establishment so it was accurately defined as a billboard.

but was a japanese wave!

[craigwatanabe]

Re: Billboards?

but was a japanese wave!

Eh no get racial on me! But den it shoulda been called Tsunami's!

[kimo55]

Re: Billboards?

Eh no get racial on me! But den it shoulda been called Tsunami's!

wot. wasn't a japanese wave?

[tutusue]

Re: Billboards?

Eh no get racial on me! But den it shoulda been called Tsunami's!

Tsunami's is now Beaches! Had lunch there yesterday! Oh wait...different place!