HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-05 Liquor Commission MinutesCOUNTY OF HAWAI`I
DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL
LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES — OCTOBER 5, 2023
HANAMA PLACE
75-5706 KUAKINI HIGHWAY, SUITE 107
KAI LUA-KONA, HAWAI `I
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Ibarra at 10:00 A.M., in the Kona Meeting
Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
The following were present and constituted a quorum:
Commissioners: Ronald Ibarra, Chair
Laurisa Nishimoto, Vice Chair
Doug Espejo, Commissioner
David Greenwell, Commissioner
Paula Thomas, Commissioner
Jennifer Wilkinson, Commissioner
Jennifer Yadao, Commissioner
Absent and Excused: Wil Okabe, Commissioner
Brandon Gonzalez, Administrative Officer
Others Present: Gerald Takase, Director
Dakota `Cody' Frenz, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Stacie Waltjen, Licensing Officer
Hau`oli Sayles, Commission Secretary
Ibarra: Please silence your phones and devices, this meeting is being recorded, so
speak loud and clear and one at a time. We will now do roll call, please say present
when your name is called.
Sayles: Vice Chair Nishimoto.
Nishimoto: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Espejo.
Espejo: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Greenwell.
Greenwell: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Thomas.
Thomas: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Wilkinson.
Wilkinson: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Yadao.
Yadao: Present.
Sayles: Chair Ibarra.
Ibarra: Present.
Sayles: Absent and excused today are Commissioner Okabe, and Administrative
Officer Brandon Gonzalez. Others present are Director Gerald Takase, Deputy
Corporation Counsel Cody Frenz, Licensing Officer Stacie Waltjen, and Commission
Secretary Hau`oli Sayles.
II. Approval of Minutes —September 7, 2023 (10:01AM)
Ibarra: The September 7, 2023, meeting minutes were circulated via email on
September 28, 2023. Is there a motion to approve the minutes as circulated?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, motion to approve the minutes as circulated.
Greenwell: Commissioner Greenwell, second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve the
September 7, 2023, Liquor Commission meeting minutes
as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell.
Ibarra: It's been moved and seconded, any discussion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: No discussion. All in favor please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 2 OF 33
III. Approval of Addendum and/or Supplemental Agenda (10:01 AM)
Ibarra: There's no addendum and/or supplemental agenda.
IV. Public Statements on Agenda Items (10:01 AM)
Ibarra: Any public statements from members of the public at this time here present,
that wants to speak on any of the agenda items?
There were no statements from members of the public.
V. Public Hearings (10:02 AM)
1. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10: 02 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
22-41
Hilo Pizza, LLC
Hilo Pizza Co.
Puainako Center, 2100 Kanoelehua Avenue,
Space B-11, Hilo, Hawaii
2-2-040:006
Original Restaurant General liquor license,
Category A
Rachel Klein, Co-owner, was present.
Ibarra: Hi, good morning, state your name, please.
Klein: Rachel Klein.
Ibarra: And what is your relationship to the business?
Klein: I'm one of the co -owners.
Ibarra: Please describe your business.
Klein: We're a quick -serve pizza restaurant with a small amount of indoor and outdoor
seati ng .
Ibarra: Did you receive the report?
Klein: Yes.
Ibarra: Are there any changes to the report?
Klein: No.
Ibarra: Mr. Director, any there any report of protests?
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Takase: Mr. Chairman, the applicant mailed 5 out of 5 notices within 100 feet, 39 out of
40 notices within 500 feet. There were 38 properties entitled to protest, we received no
protests to this application.
Ibarra: Thank you. Any public testimony?
There was no public testimony.
Ibarra: There's none. Commissioners, any discussion or questions?
Nishimoto: I did have a question, Commissioner Nishimoto, your approximate date of
opening?
Klein: We opened August 12t"
Nishimoto: You opened already?
Klein: We have a temporary license right now.
Nishimoto: Okay, so you're up and running?
Klein: Yes. Our temporary license went into effect on September 1st.
Ibarra: Any other questions or discussion by Commissioners?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There be none. Is there any motion to close the public hearing,
Commissioners?
Thomas: Commissioner Thomas, move to close public hearing.
Greenwell: Commissioner Greenwell, second.
Commissioner Thomas moved to close the public
hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell.
Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion to close?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There be none. All in favor of the motion to close the public hearing, please say
"Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
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Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion to close is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Ibarra: Is there any motion to approve or deny Application No. 22-41, pending final
inspection, Commissioners?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, move to approve Application No. 22-41, pending
final inspection.
Thomas: Commissioner Thomas, second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application
No. 22-41, Hilo Pizza, LLC, dba Hilo Pizza Co., for an Original
Restaurant General liquor license, Category A, located at the
Puainako Center, 2100 Kanoelehua Avenue, Space B-11, Hilo,
Hawaii, TMK: 2-2-040:006, pending final inspection; Seconded
by Commissioner Thomas.
Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There be none. All in favor of the motion to approve Application No. 22-41,
pending final inspection, please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Ibarra: Is there any motion to ratify issuance of Temporary License No.
T-REST-G-1016, effective September 1, 2023, by Commissioners?
Thomas: Commissioner Thomas, move to ratify issuance of Temporary License No.
T-REST-G-1016, effective September 1st, 2023.
Ibarra: Any second?
Greenwell: Commissioner Greenwell, second.
Commissioner Thomas moved to ratify issuance of Temporary
License No. T-REST-G-1016, effective September 1, 2023;
Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell.
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Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion to ratify?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There be none. All in favor of the motion to ratify the issuance of the temporary
license, please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
2. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10:05 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
22-42
Big Island Fireart Inc.
Big Island Fireart
Waikoloa Plaza, 68-1820 Waikoloa Road,
Bldg. C, Suite No. 102, Waikoloa, Hawaii
6-8-003:015
Original Restaurant Beer and Wine liquor license,
Category A
Wenfang He, Owner, was present.
Ibarra: Hi, good morning, please tell us your name.
He: Wenfang He.
Ibarra: Ms. He, what is your relationship to the business, are you the owner?
He: Yes.
Ibarra: Okay, and please tell us briefly about the business.
He: It is Chinese food, and seafood boil.
Ibarra: And, did you receive the application report?
He: Yes.
Ibarra: Are there any changes?
Ibarra: Mr. Director, are there any report of protests?
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Takase: Mr. Chairman, the applicant mailed 1 out of 1 notices within 100 feet, 6 out of
6 notices within 500 feet. There were 5 properties entitled to protest, we received no
protests to this application.
Ibarra: Thank you. Any public testimony regarding this application?
There was no public testimony.
Ibarra: There be none. Commissioners, any questions or discussion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no questions or discussion by the Commissioners. Commissioners,
any motion to close the public hearing?
Greenwell: Commissioner Greenwell, move to close public hearing.
Wilkinson: Commissioner Wilkinson, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to close the public
hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson.
Ibarra: Any discussion on the motion to close the public hearing, Commissioners?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There be none. All in favor of closing the public hearing, please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Any opposition to the motion, please say "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: No opposition, the motion is passed, public hearing is closed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Ibarra: Commissioners, any motion to approve or deny Application No. 22-42, pending
final inspection?
Greenwell: Commissioner Greenwell, I'll approve Application No. 22-42, pending final
inspection.
Thomas: Commissioner Thomas, second.
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Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No.
22-429 Big Island Fireart Inc., dba Big Island Fireart, for an
Original Restaurant Beer and Wine liquor license, Category A,
located at the Waikoloa Plaza, 68-1820 Waikoloa Road, Bldg. C,
Suite No. 102, Waikoloa, Hawaii, TMK: 6-8-003:015, pending
final inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Thomas.
Ibarra: Okay, any discussion of the motion to approve Application No. 22-42, pending
final inspection, Commissioners?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: No discussion. Voting on the motion to approve, all in favor say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, please say "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
3. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10:08 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TMK:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
22-43
Napua Hilo LLC
Lehua Restaurant at Imiloa
600 `Imiloa Place, Hilo, Hawaii
2-4-001:007
Original Restaurant General liquor license,
Category B2
Mr. Brandon Lee, Co-owner, was present.
Ibarra: Please state your name.
Lee: Aloha, I'm Brandon Lee.
Ibarra: And what is your relationship to the business, Mr. Lee?
Lee: Co-owner.
Ibarra: Please tell us a little about your business.
Lee: Yeah, a genuine Hawaiian restaurant in `Imiloa in Hilo.
Ibarra: And, did you receive the application report?
Lee: Yes.
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Ibarra: Any changes to the report?
Lee: No changes.
Ibarra: Mr. Director, are there any report of protests?
Takase: Mr. Chairman, the applicant mailed 2 out of 2 notices within 100 feet, 2 out of
2 notices within 500 feet. There was one property entitled to protest, we received no
protests to the application.
Ibarra: Okay, thank you, Mr. Director. Any public testimony regarding this application?
There was no public testimony.
Ibarra: There be none. Commissioners, any discussion or questions?
Nishimoto: Question on anticipated opening?
Lee: Yeah, it just depends on when the furniture will get here, but yeah, probably the
beginning of November we'll start lunch, then dinner will follow probably the week after.
Nishimoto: Great, because there are some of us that are excited to go.
Lee: We're excited to have you.
Thomas: I have a question, you have the B2 license because you're also going to be
providing live entertainment and dancing for events?
Lee: Yeah well, we just assume that because we're going to have really great Hawaiian
music that hula people will want to dance, being at `Imiloa, they already have a hub for
Merrie Monarch and all the Hawaiian arts, we're going to have a lei stand on the side
there, so there's going to be a lot of Hawaiian going on, so we expect people to dance
actually. So, we wanted to get that permit so they're allowed to dance, not so much us
dancing.
Takase: Brandon, can you expand on your menu?
Lee: Yeah, look it's been a challenge, like we've been going back and forth a lot about
what we're going to do going into the Hilo side. The trick about Hilo is everybody can
cook, right? In everybody's garage, their uncle can make great sausage, or somebody
has some great miso butterfish recipe, so enable to go to that side and kind of elevate
things, but definitely at lunch we're going to keep it pretty mellow, we're doing akule and
different kinds of fried fish. And then, we're going to keep it kind of cafe -style, with
baked goods from Maria Short at Short N Sweet, to kind of do it. But definitely lattes
with beautiful swans on it, and all that kind of stuff. And at dinner, we're going to take it
up a notch, we've been already collecting all the ehus and opakapakas about that one
palm size. I got really lucky and got ahold of Tommy Bahamas, they're getting rid of
their stuff, and we got a lot of their steamers and ovens and stuff that they were getting
rid of, which was really fortunate for us, but it's really giving us a chance to kind of hone
in. You know, nobody is really doing the old charthouse-style, Chinese-style fish
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anymore. We make all our own lup cheong and stuff, you know we have our own pig
farm, so that's kind of the direction we're going. I mean even like, we talked about it last
time, but that adobo lamb thing is really coming out, like something because we make
the adobo with the lard from the pig, right? Rendering it down and then that's your pork,
and little bit of lup cheong jowls inside, just flavors of adobo to be like that. So, using
those and then using that is almost like a sauce on the sous vide Iamb.
Thomas: Sounds delicious. One more question, is seating capacity, will it be about the
same as it used to be?
Lee: We kind of shrank it down a little bit, we want service to be a big deal. I think in
any dining experience, especially a genuine Hawaiian one, it can't be rushed, we kind of
feel that the capacity will be about 60-65 people for lunch and dinner. Just trying to
keep it where there is room to add more tables maybe later, but in the beginning, we're
going to get our bearings and get our service together, get our timing. I mean, we're
going to overcook a steak or two in the beginning, so we're just trying to make sure that
we're on pace.
Espejo: Commissioner Espejo with a question, would that include the banquet room?
Lee: Yes, so we already started doing events, we've done the Hawaii Chamber of
Commerce, and is doing one soon, up to 200 people and even outdoors. It's kind of the
first time that `Imiloa has somebody that's really going to work with them to provide all
these events with food and catering to kind of coincide to kind of get `Imiloa to get to
that part. Because we are a farm too, they want to have that whole ag (agricultural)
side, so we're really partnering with UH (University of Hawaii) to get their ag
(agricultural) program to join us and to really grow all the stuff. Hilo is to me my favorite,
even like trying to get the local fisherman that I know to get them their license, because
know they know where all the spots are, but they just don't have the paperwork. So, to
get them to do their paperwork so that we can get good fish, quality fish like before, you
know, it's just the uncles never did the paperwork.
Ibarra: Any other discussion, Commissioners? Sounds good.
Nishimoto: Yes, Commissioner Nishimoto, just a comment. It seems as though you
put a lot of thought into it, and you know, involving the community, so I wish you the
best of luck.
Lee: Thank you very much, I appreciate you guys.
Ibarra: Voting on the motion to close public hearing, any motion to close public
hearing?
Greenwell: Yes, this is Commissioner Greenwell, I'll make the motion.
Ibarra: Any second?
Thomas: Commissioner Thomas, seconds.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 10 OF 33
Commissioner Greenwell moved to close the public
hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Thomas.
Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion to close?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There be none. All in favor of the motion to close public hearing, please say
"Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion to close is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Ibarra: Any motion to approve or deny Application No. 22-43, pending final inspection?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, move to approve Application No. 22-43, pending
final inspection.
Espejo: Commissioner Espejo, second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application No.
22-43, Napua Hilo LLC, dba Lehua Restaurant at Imiloa, for
an Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category 132,
located at 600 Imiloa Place, Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-4-001:007,
pending final inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Espejo.
Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion to approve Application No. 22-43, pending final
inspection, Commissioners?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: No discussion. Voting on the motion to approve Application No. 22-43, pending
final inspection, all those in favor please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, please say "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: No opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
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4. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10: 15 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TMK:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
23-01
Vibe Cafe L.L.C.
Vibe Cafe
750 Kanoelehua Avenue, Suite 101, Hilo, Hawaii
2-2-037:029
Increase in Licensed Premises, to include outdoor
dining area adjacent to and fronting its licensed
premises, and a Change in Category to B2,
from its Restaurant General liquor license,
Category 131
Dylan Shropshire, Co-owner, was present.
Ibarra: Good morning, please tell us your name.
Shropshire: Good morning, Dylan Shropshire.
Ibarra: And, what is your relationship to the business?
Shropshire: Co-owner.
Ibarra: Mr. Shropshire, please tell us about the business.
Shropshire: We're a vegetarian restaurant in Hilo, close to the airport there, we've
been doing some live music in the past, but we didn't have the dancing part of our
license, we're just looking to expand on that. And on the extended premises, what we
were doing during COVID (coronavirus disease), we had to move everyone outside and
just kind of making that more of a permanent thing for our cafe.
Ibarra: Did you receive the application report?
Shropshire: Yes.
Ibarra: Any changes?
Shropshire: No.
Ibarra: Mr. Director, any report of protests?
Takase: Mr. Chairman, the applicant mailed 12 out of 13 notices within 100 feet, 64 out
of 68 notices within 500 feet. There were 59 total properties entitled to protest, we
received no protests to this application.
Ibarra: Thank you. Any public testimony on this application?
There was no public testimony.
Ibarra: There be none. Commissioners, any discussion or questions?
Thomas: I have a question.
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Shropshire: Sure.
Thomas: Where would the dancing be?
Shropshire: Have you been there before?
Thomas: I have.
Shropshire: Okay, so like you know where the table is on the right when you come in?
Thomas: Yes.
Shropshire: We're going to pull that out and the dance floor will be right there, there's
a nice wad of space there without seating, so we'll pull that out during events to do
dancing right there.
Thomas: Oh, I see. And then, how late would you stay open for that?
Shropshire: That's a good question, usually in the past when we did events, we would
go till 12:00 a.m., probably the same.
Thomas: Okay.
Shropshire: We've done both kind of events, you know, we've done more like the
late -night events, and also done like more of like breakfast brunch type of events too,
so we'll probably do both.
Thomas: If I may, one more question, if I remember on the outside, you have
umbrellas there, is that's how it's covered?
Shropshire: Yes.
Thomas: Are you going to eventually
Shropshire: We're doing awning to make it more permanent out there.
Thomas: Yes, okay.
Shropshire: Yes, we're working on that right now.
Thomas: Awesome, yeah thanks so much.
Shropshire: No problem.
Ibarra: Any other questions or discussion, Commissioners?
Takase: I have one comment. So, we went to Mr. Shropshire's place yesterday. So,
he's asking for an increase on the side, which once he encloses should be no problem.
He's going to work on making more permanent improvements, putting in a fence and a
floor, I guess. And, if you look at his pictures, he has some tables in the front, so
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typically we would require some kind of barrier to be put up, but there's really not
enough room. So, I think we will work with him, when he has events, we can kind of
figure something out, but I would say under his current configuration, we would probably
not allow consumption on those four tables.
Shropshire: Yes, I agree, we discussed this already.
Takase: Yes, so just for Commission's clarification.
Thomas: I have a question, would that also require a sign, like "No alcohol beyond this
point", and then some kind of a barrier?
Takase: Yes, he would do that for the picnic tables that are on the side.
Thomas: Right.
Takase: And he'll kind of enclose that area, but the tables in the front, you know he can
use it but to put up any kind of barriers is not practical. So, we've kind of agreed, when
he has events, he'll kind of close off that area in the front, and then we will allow him to
use that area. But on a day-to-day basis without anything there, we'll try to keep
consumption to the side.
Thomas: I see.
Ibarra: So, Mr. Director, I know it's further down but the approval or denial of that
application, would that include those conditions for approval?
Takase: We can put it on, but I don't want to stick it on the license because he's kind of
evolving, so you know we can work with him on that.
Ibarra: Okay, let's move on this, it's kind of further down anyway. But for now, we at
the matter of closing the public hearing, any motion to close the public hearing,
Commissioners?
Greenwell: Commissioner Greenwell, I'll make the motion to close the public hearing.
Ibarra: Any second?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to close the public
hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion to close?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: No discussion. All in favor on the motion to close public hearing, please say
"Aye."
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The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, please say "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Ibarra: Now, is there a motion to approve or deny Application No. 23-01, pending final
inspection?
Greenwell: Before we make that motion, is there any more clarification that we have to
get from the Director about the conditions that we talked about?
Takase: The change expanding to B2, I don't think that's a problem. His increase in
premises on the side, that's not a problem, we'll work with him on that. It's just those
four tables in the front, but I really don't want to make it a condition of his license
because he may eventually get more space in there, they could make it permanent. But
right now, I think we're okay working with him, that if he has events at his place, he's
going to kind of block off that area anyways. So, we're good with working with him to
give him that increase, I don't know that we got to make it a condition of his license.
Greenwell: Okay, you're comfortable so with that statement, I will approve the
Application No. 23-01, pending final inspection, Commissioner Greenwell.
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application
No. 23-01, Vibe Cafe L.L.C., dba Vibe Cafe, for an Increase in
Licensed Premises, to include outdoor dining area adjacent
to and fronting its licensed premises, and a Change in Category
to B2, from its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1,
located at 750 Kanoelehua Avenue, Suite 101, Hilo, Hawaii,
TMK: 2-2-037:029, pending final inspection; Seconded by
Commissioner Nishimoto.
Ibarra: Okay, any discussion of the motion to approve, Commissioners?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There be none. Voting on the motion to approve Application No. 23-01,
pending final inspection, as stated on the record, all in favor say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, please say "Nay."
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There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
5. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10:23 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TMK:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
23-02
Doris Place LLC
Doris Place
77-6108 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, Hawaii
7-7-003:077
Change in Kind to General, from its Retail
Beer and Wine
Ms. Erin Ota Alvarez, Owner, was present.
Ibarra: Hi, please tell us your name again.
Ota Alvarez: Hi. My name is Erin Ota Alvarez.
Ibarra: And you are the owner?
Ota Alvarez: Yes, owner of Doris Place.
Ibarra: Please describe the business.
Ota Alvarez: Yes. We're a small mom-and-pop store in Holualoa, we've now been
running the business for about a year on Saturday. We sell li hing mui, that's what
we're known for, a lot of Hispanic chips and snacks, and kind of a local shop as well, we
still got the kakimochi.
Ibarra: How long has Doris Place been open now?
Ota Alvarez: Since 1948, so 75 years, a little hiccup but we rebounded, and it looks
different now.
Ibarra: Did you receive the application report?
Ota Alvarez: I did.
Ibarra: Are there any changes?
Ota Alvarez: No.
Ibarra: Mr. Director, any report of protests?
Takase: Mr. Chairman, the applicant sent 6 out of 6 notices within 100 feet, 43 out of
43 notices within 500 feet. There were 42 properties entitled to protest, we received no
protests to this application.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 16 OF 33
Ibarra: Commissioners, any questions or discussion? Mr. Greenwell.
Greenwell: It's interesting that your family's been in business for 75 years, it looks
good.
Ota Alvarez: Thank you, yeah.
Ibarra: Almost as old as Manago Hotel. Any other comments, discussion, or questions,
Commissioners?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: None. Any motion to close the public hearing, Commissioners?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, move to close public hearing.
Greenwell: Commissioner Greenwell, second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to close the public
hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell.
Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion to close, Commissioners?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There be none. Voting on the motion to close public hearing, all in favor say
"Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, please say "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Ibarra: Any motion to approve or deny Application No. 23-02, Commissioners?
Greenwell: Commissioner Greenwell, approve Application No. 23-02.
Thomas: Commissioner Thomas, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No.
23-02, Doris Place LLC, dba Doris Place, for a Change in Kind
to General, from its Retail Beer and Wine, located at 77-6108
Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, Hawaii, TMK: 7-7-003:077,
pending final inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Thomas.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 17 OF 33
Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion to approve the Application No. 23-02?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: No discussion. All in favor of the motion to approve Application No. 23-02,
please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, please say "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
NEXT TWO ITEMS WERE TAKEN AT ONCE
6. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10:26 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
7. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
T23-03
Foods O' Hawaii Delivery Corp.
Ohana Q Kona
Ali`i Plaza, 75-5742 Kuakini Highway, Suite 102,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
7-5-007:002
Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General
liquor license, Category 131, currently held by
Ohana Q Limited Liability Company, dba Ohana Q
T23-04
Foods O' Hawaii Delivery Corp.
Da Taste Kona
Ali`i Plaza, 75-5742 Kuakini Highway, Suite 104,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
7-5-007:002
Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General
liquor license, Category 131, currently held
by Ohana Q Limited Liability Company, dba
Da Taste by Ohana Q
Noah Ochmann, Owner, was present.
Ibarra: Please state your name, good morning.
Ochmann: Noah Ochmann.
Ibarra: Okay, Mr. Ochmann, what is your relationship to the business?
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 18 OF 33
Ochmann: Owner.
Ibarra: And tell us about the business.
Ochmann: Ohana Q is a barbecue restaurant, we do smoked meats, brisket, chicken,
and pork, and Da Taste is a bar.
Ibarra: Did you receive the application reports?
Ochmann: Yes.
Ibarra: Any changes to the reports you received?
Ochmann: No.
Ibarra: Director, are there any reports of protests?
Takase: Mr. Chairman, this was a sale and transfer, notice was done by publication
which was published on September 16, 2023, we received no protests to these
applications.
Ibarra: Thank you. Any public testimony regarding these applications?
There was no public testimony.
Ibarra: There be none. Commissioners, any discussion or questions?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, so this, we're discussing two right?
Ibarra: Yes.
Nishimoto: For Suite 102 and 104, correct? Are they both restaurants, or is one a
kitchen, one a restaurant?
Ochmann: Ohana Q is a kitchen, and Da Taste is a bar. We do have food at the bar
that comes from Ohana Q.
Nishimoto: So, both places has the barbecue?
Ochmann: Yes, but Da Taste has no cooking going on there, the food comes from
Ohana Q.
Nishimoto: I see, thank you.
Ibarra: Any other questions or discussion by Commissioners?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There be none. Any motion to close the public hearing, Commissioners?
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 19 OF 33
Greenwell: Commissioner Greenwell, I'll close the public hearing.
Ibarra: Any second?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to close the public
hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Ibarra: Any discussion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: On the motion to close public hearing, all in favor say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: All opposed say "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is carried, the public hearing is closed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Ibarra: Any motion to approve or deny Application Nos. T23-03 and T23-04, pending
final inspections?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, move to approve Application Nos. T23-03 and
T23-04, pending final inspections.
Ibarra: Any second?
Greenwell: Commissioner Greenwell, second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application Nos.
T23-03 and T23-04, Foods O' Hawaii Delivery Corp., dba Ohana
Q Kona, dba Da Taste Kona, for a Sale and Transfer of the
Restaurant General liquor licenses, Category B1, currently
held by Ohana Q Limited Liability Company, dba Ohana Q,
dba Da Taste by Ohana Q, located at the Ah'i Plaza, 75-5742
Kuakini Highway, Suite 102 and 104, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii,
TMK: 7-5-007:002, pending final inspections; Seconded by
Commissioner Greenwell.
Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion to approve Application No. T23-03 and T23-04,
pending final inspections?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 20 OF 33
Ibarra: No discussion. All those in favor of the motion to approve Application Nos.
T23-03 and T23-04, pending final inspections, please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, please say "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
VI. Preliminary Hearings (10:30 AM)
Ibarra: There are no Preliminary Hearings.
VII. Unfinished Business (10:30 AM)
Ibarra: There is no Unfinished Business.
VIII. New Business (10:30AM)
1. Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, LLC, dba Southern Glazer's
of HI/SGWS, approval of Application for Increase in Licensed Premises,
(10:30 AM) to include Bay 7 (1,800 square feet), and Bay 8 (1,800 square feet), for
a total of 3,600 square feet, adjacent to its current licensed premises;
TMK: 6-1-006:006; of its Wholesale General liquor license, located
at 61-3785 Maluokalani Place, Kawaihae, Hawaii.
Ibarra: Any motion to approve?
Greenwell: Commissioner Greenwell, make the motion to approve.
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Application for
Increase in Licensed Premises, to include Bay 7 (1,800 square feet),
and Bay 8 (1,800 square feet), for a total of 3,600 square feet, adjacent
to its current licensed premises; TMK: 6-1-006:006; of its Wholesale
General liquor license, located at 61-3785 Maluokalani Place,
Kawaihae, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion to approve?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 21 OF 33
Ibarra: No discussion. All in favor of the motion to approve, please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, please say "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: No opposition, the motion to approve is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
2. Request to Extend the Time Issuance Submitted for Approval
a. Hawaiian Islands Trading Company LLC, dba Kona Salt Farm,
RE: Application No. 21-27, approval of request to extend the time
(10:30 AM) issuance of the liquor license for good cause shown for an additional
six months, from October 7, 2023, to and including April 7, 2024, by letter
received September 8, 2023, of its Restaurant General liquor license,
Category B2, located at 73-907 Makako Bay Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Passage requires finding of good cause pursuant to Rule 4-2(M) of
the Rules and Regulations of the Liquor Commission of the County
of Hawaii. If the Commission finds good cause, state what that
good cause is when making the motion.
Ibarra: Any motion to approve the request for extension with stating good cause?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, move to approve due to needing additional time
for upgrades and building inspection process as stated in the letter.
Takase: Stacie, did the water system get upgraded?
Waltjen: They're almost complete doing whatever they need to do, she didn't tell me
exactly where they're at, but they're almost there.
Takase: Okay, the problem they were having, and I thought it was them and the
abalone farm, was that the system was leaking somewhere, and nobody could find the
leak, so all the businesses in there were being affected by insufficient water for their fire
systems, but I guess it looks like they got it taken cared of. So, they should get their
final inspection done.
Ibarra: So, there's a motion to approve, any further discussion on the motion?
Wilkinson: Wilkinson, I have a question. We're extending from what date, I'm just
curious when does the first date expire?
Ibarra: October 7t". So, the extension is from October 7t" to April 7t", 2024, for the
record. Any other questions or discussion?
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 22 OF 33
There was no further discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: Any second?
Espejo: Commissioner Espejo, second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve the request to extend
the time issuance of the liquor license for good cause shown for an
additional six months, from October 7, 2023, to and including April 7,
2024, by letter received September 8, 2023, of its Restaurant General
liquor license, Category B2, located at 73-907 Makako Bay Drive,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Espejo.
Ibarra: Moving on the motion to approve with good cause as stated, any further
discussion?
There was no further discussion from Commissioners.
Ibarra: None. Okay, all in favor of the motion to approve with good cause as stated
previously, please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: The motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
b. Ohana Restaurant Group LLC, dba The Joint,
RE: Application No. 21-48, approval of request to extend the time
(10: 34 AM) issuance of the liquor license for good cause shown for an additional
12 months, from October 6, 2023, to and including October 6, 2024,
by email received September 14, 2023, of its Restaurant General liquor
license, Category 131, located at 235 Keawe Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
Passage requires finding of good cause pursuant to Rule 4-2(M) of
the Rules and Regulations of the Liquor Commission of the County
of Hawaii. If the Commission finds good cause, state what that
good cause is when making the motion.
Ibarra: Any motion to approve with good cause?
Nishimoto: So, just to clarify, that the process was correct, because I know he was told
to write a letter, so that email was sufficient?
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 23 OF 33
Takase: So, we were asking him what's going on, and he says he has now hired a
contractor, Kevin Gardner, and they should be moving forward. He's hoping for six
months, but he's saying maybe a year extension might be more practical.
Ibarra: Okay, any other comments or questions?
There was no further discussion from Commissioners.
Ibarra: Any motion to approve with good cause?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, move to approve due to the difficulty of finding a
licensed contractor, as stated in his letter.
Ibarra: Any second of the motion to approve with good cause?
Greenwell: Greenwell, second the motion.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve the request to extend
the time issuance of the liquor license for good cause shown for an
additional 12 months, from October 6, 2023, to and including October
6, 2024, by email received September 14, 2023, of its Restaurant
General liquor license, Category B1, located at 235 Keawe Street,
Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell.
Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's none. All in favor of the motion to approve with good cause as stated,
please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, please say "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 24 OF 33
C. Four Palms LLC, dba SoKo Kitchen and Cocktails,
RE: Application No. 21-01, approval of request to extend the time
(10:36 AM) issuance of the liquor license for good cause shown for an additional
12 months from October 7, 2023, to and including October 7, 2024,
by email received September 16, 2023, of its Restaurant General liquor
license, Category B2, located at the Mango Court Shopping Center,
79-7460 Mamalahoa Highway, Suite #A-104 and 105, Kealakekua,
Hawaii.
Passage requires finding of good cause pursuant to Rule 4-2(M) of
the Rules and Regulations of the Liquor Commission of the County
of Hawaii. If the Commission finds good cause, state what that
good cause is when making the motion.
Ibarra: Any motion to approve with good cause, Commissioners?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, motion to approve due to delays with building
permits, and due to code issues regarding the property, but not so much with their
space, according to their letter.
Ibarra: Any second?
Thomas: Commissioner Thomas, second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve the request to extend
the time issuance of the liquor license for good cause shown for an
additional 12 months from October 7, 2023, to and including October
79 2024, by email received September 16, 2023, of its Restaurant
General liquor license, Category 132, located at the Mango Court
Shopping Center, 79-7460 Mamalahoa Highway, Suite #A-104 and
105, Kealakekua, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Thomas.
Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion? Any discussion or questions?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There be none. Voting on the motion to approve with good cause as stated, all
in favor please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is carried or passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 25 OF 33
3. Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine, LLC, dba Pineapples Restaurant,
approval of Change in Members, and Application for Transfer of Stock
as follows:
(10:37 AM)
• Removal of Pamela Owens, Patricia Owens, and Scott Owens, Members,
and the appointment of Michael Stimson, and Donna Stimson, as Members;
effective October 1, 2023) by form received September 11, 2023;
• 100% Stock Transfer from Pamela Owens, Patricia Owens, and Scott Owens,
to Michael Stimson (49%), and Donna Stimson (51 %), effective
September 30, 2023, by form received September 11, 2023;
• Personal History and Affidavits for Michael Stimson, and Donna Stimson,
Members;
of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category 131, located at 332 Keawe
Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
Ibarra: Any motion to approve?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, motion to approve.
Ibarra: Any second?
Wilkinson: Commissioner Wilkinson, second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve the Change in
Members, and Application for Transfer of Stock as follows:
Removal of Pamela Owens, Patricia Owens, and Scott Owens,
Members, and the appointment of Michael Stimson, and Donna
Stimson, as Members; effective October 1, 2023, by form received
September 11, 2023; 100% Stock Transfer from Pamela Owens,
Patricia Owens, and Scott Owens, to Michael Stimson (49%),
and Donna Stimson (51%), effective September 30, 2023, by
form received September 11, 2023; Personal History and Affidavits
for Michael Stimson, and Donna Stimson, Members; of its Restaurant
General liquor license, Category 131, located at 332 Keawe Street,
Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson.
Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion to approve?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: None. All in favor of the motion to approve, please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 26 OF 33
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
4. Request to Transfer Liquor Inventory Submitted for Ratification
(10:38 AM) a. KEC Corporation, dba Island Short -Stop & Deli, ratification of request
to transfer liquor inventory to Naito Store LLC, dba Naito Store, approved
by Director Gerald Takase on September 5, 2023, of its Retail General
liquor license, located at 54-3695 Akoni Pule Highway, Kapa`au, Hawaii.
b. Maruhiro Inc., dba Sushi Shiono, ratification of request to transfer liquor
inventory to Maruhiro, Inc., dba Izakaya Shiono, approved by Director
Gerald Takase on September 5, 2023, of its Restaurant General liquor
license, Category A, located at the Ali`i Sunset Plaza, 75-5799 Ali`i Drive,
C-3 and C-313, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Ibarra: Any motion to ratify?
Greenwell: Commissioner Greenwell, I'll make the motion to ratify.
Ibarra: Any second?
Wilkinson: Commissioner Wilkinson, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Request to Transfer
Liquor Inventory Submitted for Ratification, Item Nos. 4(a) and 4(b),
as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson.
Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion to ratify?
There was no further discussion from Commissioners.
Ibarra: There be none. All in favor of the motion to ratify, please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 27 OF 33
5. Permits Issued for Ratification (10:38 AM)
a. Mauna Kea Resort LLC, dba Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, ratification
of Application for Game Permit, for an event on September 23, 2023,
approved by Director Gerald Takase on September 6, 2023; of its Hotel
liquor license, located at 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kamuela,
Hawaii.
b. Leatherman Libations, LLC, dba Kona Wine Market, ratification
of Application for Entertainment Permit, for a Maui fundraiser event
on September 16, 2023, approved by Director Gerald Takase on
September 15, 2023, of its Retail General liquor license, located at
the Aloha Plaza, 73-5613 Olowalu Street, Suite 1, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
C. JRG Enterprises LLC, dba The HI Dive Bar, ratification of Application
for Live Entertainment and Dancing, a one-time only trial period not to
exceed 90 days, effective October 5 - January 2, 2024, approved by
Director Gerald Takase on September 28, 2023, of its Dispenser General
liquor license, Category B1, located at the Mango Court, 79-7460 Hawaii
Belt Road, Suite A102, Kealakekua, Hawaii.
Ibarra: Just to clarify, as I've taken all along, that one of the permits comply with the
Hawaii Penal Code, it's not for us to decide, it's for the appropriate authorities. So, with
that, any motion to ratify?
Thomas: Commissioner Thomas, move to ratify.
Ibarra: Any second?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Thomas moved to ratify Permits Issued
for Ratification, Item Nos. 5(a) through 5(c), as stated in
the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Ibarra: Any discussion of the motion?
There was no further discussion from Commissioners.
Ibarra: None. All in favor of the motion to ratify, please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 28 OF 33
The motion was carried unanimously.
6. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:39 AM)
a. License No. SP-23-037, Akaka Falls Lions Club, dba Akaka Falls Lions
Club, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on October 14, 2023,
held at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Drive, Hilo, Hawaii.
b. License No. SP-23-038, Volcano Art Center, dba Volcano Art Center,
for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on October 14, 2023)
held at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano, Hawaii.
C. License No. SP-23-039, The Friends of the Palace Theater, dba
The Friends of the Palace Theater, for a Special Beer and Wine
liquor license, for events on September 2, 15-16, 22, 2023, held at
the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
d. License No. SP-23-040, Fraternal Order of Eagles, dba Fraternal
Order of Eagles, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events
on October 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28, 2023, held at 16-111 `Opukaha`ia
Street, Kea`au, Hawaii.
e. License No. SP-23-041, Kona Dance & Performing Arts, Inc., dba
Kona Dance & Performing Arts, Inc., for a Special Beer liquor license,
for an event on September 23, 2023, held at 74-5617 Pawai Place,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
f. License No. SP-23-042, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba Kahilu
Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for
events from September 7-9, 14, 16, 18, 21-23, 28-30, 2023, held at
67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii.
g. License No. SP-23-043, Kona, Hawaii, Lodge No. 2616, Benevolent
& Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, dba
Kona Elks Club, for a Special General liquor license, for events from
September 1 - 30, 2023, held at 75-170 Hualalai Road, Suite E-100,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
h. License No. SP-23-044, Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative Inc., dba
Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative Inc., for a Special Beer and Wine liquor
license, for an event on October 21, 2023, held at the Waikoloa Dry
Forest Preserve, Quarry Road, Waikoloa, Hawaii.
i. License No. SP-23-045, Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative Inc., dba
Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative Inc., for a Special Beer and Wine
liquor license, for an event on October 26, 2023, held at the King Shops,
250 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa Village, Hawaii.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 29 OF 33
j. License No. SP-23-046, Holualoa Foundation for Arts and Culture,
dba Donkey Mill Art Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license,
for an event on November 4, 2023, held at 78-6670 IV15malahoa Highway,
Holualoa, Hawaii.
k. License No. SP-23-047, Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture,
dba Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture, for a Special Beer and
Wine liquor license, for an event on September 30, 2023, held at
52-4700 Akokni Pule Highway, Kapa`au, Hawaii.
I. License No. SP-23-048, Rotary Club of Hilo Bay, dba Rotary Club
of Hilo Bay, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event
on September 30, 2023, held at the Sanga Hall, 424 Kilauea Avenue,
Hilo, Hawaii.
Greenwell: Commissioner Greenwell, I'll make the motion to ratify.
Ibarra: Any second?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Special Licenses Issued
for Ratification, Item Nos. 6(a) through 6(I), License Nos. SP-23-037
through SP-23-048, as stated in the agenda; Seconded by
Commissioner Nishimoto.
Ibarra: Any discussion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no discussion. All in favor of the motion to ratify, please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 30 OF 33
7. Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:40 AM)
a. License No. TV-23-012, Holland America Line N.V., dba Ms Noordam,
for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii,
on October 14, 2023; and in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
on October 17, 2023.
b. License No. TV-23-013, Holland America Line N.V., dba Ms Koningsdam,
for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii,
on October 15, 2023; December 29, 2023; January 22, 2024;
February 10 & 23, 2024; and April 20, 2024.
C. License No. TV-23-014, Holland America Line N.V., dba Ms Koningsdam,
for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona,
Hawaii, on October 16, 2023; December 30, 2023; January 23, 2024;
February 9, 2024; and April 16, 2024.
d. License No. TV-23-015, Holland America Line N.V., dba Ms Volendam,
for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii,
on October 8, 2023; December 3, 2023; and January 11, 2024; and in
port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on December 2, 2023.
e. License No. TV-23-016, Intercruises as agents for Royal Caribbean
Cruise Lines, dba Celebrity Solstice, for a Transient Vessel liquor license,
in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on September 28, 2023; and in port
at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on September 29-30, 2023.
f. License No. TV-23-017, Intercruises as agents for Royal Caribbean
Cruise Lines, dba Brilliance of the Seas, for a Transient Vessel liquor
license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on September 30, 2023;
and in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on October 1-2, 2023.
g. License No. TV-23-018, Intercruises as agents for Royal Caribbean
Cruise Lines, dba Quantum of the Seas, for a Transient Vessel liquor
license, in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on October 9, 2023.
h. License No. TV-23-019, Magical Cruise Company, Limited, dba Disney
Wonder, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo,
Hawaii, on October 9, 2023.
Ibarra: Any motion to ratify?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, motion to ratify.
Espejo: Espejo, second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to ratify Transient Vessel Licenses
Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 7(a), through 7(h), License Nos.
TV-23-012 through TV-23-019, as stated in the agenda; Seconded
by Commissioner Espejo.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 31 OF 33
Ibarra: Any discussion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There be none. All in favor of the motion to ratify please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Ibarra: Opposition, "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Ibarra: There's no opposition, the motion is passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
IX. Announcements (10:40 AM)
Meetings of the Liquor Commission
November 2, 2023, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of
Liquor Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Au pu n i Street, Unit 230, Hilo,
Hawaii.
December 7, 2023, 10:00 A.M., Kona Meeting Room, Hanama Place,
75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Ibarra: Any other announcements?
Nishimoto: Also, I'd like to add the State Conference coming up November 5, 6, and 7.
1 know registration has come up so that needs to be done, anything else on that?
Takase: The ones that are staying at the hotel, make your hotel reservations, and
think that once you get your registration, deEtte is going to send you a menu to choose
between prime rib, David's recommendation of the halibut, or some vegetable one for
Stacie.
Ibarra: Any other announcements?
Nishimoto: I have something else, also around this time last year, Commissioner
Smith created an evaluation for the Director. I believe it's time to do it again, so I just
wanted to put that on November meeting, I just wanted to make sure we do it again
because it's an annual.
Ibarra: Okay, any other announcements?
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 32 OF 33
Takase: Yes, I have a couple more. So, we are probably not having a joint summit
this year since we're having the conference so close and my staff can't figure out the
mechanics of it, so we'll probably just have a luncheon that day.
One other thing, I think it was in the paper, but Lee Lord is retiring as of the 31 St. So,
Deanna Sako is going to become the new Managing Director, and Diane Nakagawa,
she's going to become the Finance Director, she's the Deputy right now and I don't
know who the Deputy is going to be. So, I think that will actually be good for us, we've
had a good relationship with Deanna, and I saw her at the last cabinet meeting, I had
invited them both to the conference. That's all I have.
Ibarra: Okay, any other announcements?
There were no further announcements.
X. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 10:47 AM.
Gerald Takase
Director
The October 5, 2023 meeting minutes were approved as circulated, via email on
October 26, 2023, by the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawaii on November Z 2023.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 - KONA PAGE 33 OF 33