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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-06 Liquor Commission Minutes HiloCOUNTY OF HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES — MARCH 6, 2025 HILO LAGOON CENTRE 101 AU PU N I STREET, UNIT 230 H I LO, HAWAI `I I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Okabe at 10:03 A.M., in the Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii. The following were present and constituted a quorum: Commissioners: Wil Okabe, Chair David Greenwell, Vice Chair Doug Espejo, Commissioner Gene Nakashima, Commissioner Arthur Taniguchi, Commissioner Jennifer Wilkinson, Commissioner Jennifer Yadao, Commissioner Absent and Excused: Laurisa Nishimoto, Commissioner Melvin Ventura, Commissioner Gerald Takase, Director Stacie Waltjen, Licensing Officer Others Present: Brandon Gonzalez, Administrative Officer Ihna Kandatsu Kang, Deputy Corporation Counsel Hau`oli Sayles, Commission Secretary Okabe: Please silence your phones and devices. This meeting is being recorded, speak loudly and clear and one at a time so the recording is understandable. We will now take roll, please say present when your name is called. Sayles: Vice Chair Greenwell. Greenwell: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Espejo. Espejo: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Nakashima. Nakashima: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Taniguchi. Taniguchi: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Wilkinson. Wilkinson: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Yadao. Yadao: Present. Sayles: Chair Okabe. Okabe: Present. Sayles: Absent and excused today are Commissioner Nishimoto, Commissioner Ventura, Director Gerald Takase, and Licensing Officer Stacie Waltjen. Others present are Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez, Deputy Corporation Counsel Ihna Kandatsu Kang, and Commission Secretary Hau`oli Sayles. II. Approval of Minutes —February 6, 2025 (10:05 AM) Okabe: The February 6, 2025, meeting minutes were circulated via email on February 27, 2025. Commissioners, can I please have a motion to approve the minutes as circulated? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve the minutes as circulated. Espejo: Espejo, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the February 6, 2025, Liquor Commission meeting minutes as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Espejo. Okabe: Is there any discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 2 OF 71 The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Is there any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. III. Approval of Addendum and/or Supplemental Agenda (10:06 AM) Okabe: We have an addendum to the agenda. Pursuant to Section 92-7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended, Item No. 1 is the proposed amendment to the agenda and has been determined not to be of major significance, nor does it affect a significant number of persons, and is proposed for placement on the agenda by two-thirds vote of the Commission. 1. ADD New Business, Item No. 1(g): Vill. New Business 1. Change in Members/Officers/Directors Submitted for Approval g. Foodland Super Market, Limited, dba Foodland (Keaau), dba Foodland Farms, dba Foodland Super Market — Waimea, dba Sack `N Save (Kinoole), dba Sack `N Save (Kona), dba Sack `N Save (Puainako), approval of Change in Officers, with the appointment of Tricia Beaman, as Vice President, effective January 31, 2025) by form received February 28, 2025; and the Personal History and Affidavit for Tricia Beaman, Vice President; of its Retail General liquor licenses, for all Hawaii Island store locations. Okabe: Commissioners, can I have a motion to approve the addendum? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll move to approve the addendum. Okabe: Is there a second? Espejo: Second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 3 OF 71 Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the addendum; Seconded by Commissioner Espejo. Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion, Commissioners? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, this would have to be a roll call vote, Madame Secretary if you could do that. Sayles: Vice Chair Greenwell. Greenwell: Aye. Sayles: Commissioner Espejo. Espejo: Aye. Sayles: Commissioner Nakashima. Nakashima: Aye. Sayles: Commissioner Taniguchi. Taniguchi: Aye. Sayles: Commissioner Wilkinson. Wilkinson: Aye. Sayles: Commissioner Yadao. Yadao: Aye. Sayles: Chair Okabe. Okabe: Aye. Sayles: Mister Chair, you have seven (7) "Ayes" Okabe: Motion is carried, thank you. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 4 OF 71 IV. Public Statements on Agenda Items (10:07 AM) Okabe: Any statements from members of the public at this time? There were no statements from members of the public. V. Public Hearings (10:07 AM) NEXT ITEM WAS TAKEN AFTER PRELIMINARY HEARINGS 1. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:07 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TM K: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-13 A to Z Owners LLC Da Coco Shack 76-6246 Ali`i Drive, #102, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 7-6-015-023-0001 Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B 1 NEXT TWO ITEMS WERE TAKEN AT ONCE 2. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:07 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TM K: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: AND 3. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TM K: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-14 Gambill Enterprises LLC SIPS Cafe and Bar 68-1820 Waikoloa Road, Unit J 103, Waikoloa, Hawaii 6-8-003:015 Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B 1 24-15 Gambill Enterprises LLC The Shops at SIPS 68-1820 Waikoloa Road, Unit J 103, Waikoloa, Hawaii 6-8-003:015 Original Retail General liquor license Representing applicant: Crystal Gambill, Owner. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 5 OF 71 Okabe: Can you please state your name and relationship to the businesses? Gambill: I am Crystal Gambill, the owner of SIPS. Okabe: Can you describe your businesses? Gambill: It will be a caf6 and bar with a retail section. Okabe: Did you receive the application reports? Gambill: Yes. Okabe: Are there any changes to the reports? Gambill: No. Okabe: Are there any reports of protests? Gonzalez: In regards to Application No. 24-14, Gambill Enterprises LLC, dba SIPS Caf6 and Bar, the applicant mailed 1 out of 1 notice within 100 feet, 6 out of 6 notices within 500 feet, and 0 notices to a condominium or cooperative property owner. There were 6 properties entitled to protest, and we did not receive any protests to this Application No. 24-14. Regarding Application No. 24-15, Mr. Chairperson, this is an application for an original license. Applicant mailed 1 out of 1 notice within 100 feet, 6 out of 6 notices within 500 feet, and 0 notices to a condo (condominium) or cooperative property owner. There were 6 properties entitled to protest, and we did not receive any protests to this Application No. 24-15. Thank you. Okabe: Okay, thank you. Any public testimony in regards to this? There was no public testimony. Okabe: None? Okay, is there any discussion, Commissioners, or questions? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: None? Okay, Commissioners, can I have a motion to close the public hearings? Taniguchi: Move to close public hearings. Okabe: Second? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 6 OF 71 Commissioner Taniguchi moved to close the public hearings; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Okay, thank you. Any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Okabe: Motion to approve or deny Application No. 24-14 and 24-15, pending final inspections? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve Application No. 24-14 and 24-15, pending final inspections. Espejo: Espejo, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application Nos. 24-14 and 24-15, Gambill Enterprises LLC, dba SIPS Cafe and Bar, dba The Shops at SIPS, for an Original Restaurant General, Category B1, and Retail General liquor licenses, located at 68-1820 Waikoloa Road, Unit J103, Waikoloa, Hawaii, TMK: 6-8-003:015, pending final inspections; Seconded by Commissioner Espejo. Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion, Commissioners? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 7 OF 71 Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. 4. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:12 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-18 Mo's Fish and Chips LLC Mohala's Bay Front Fish and Chips 50 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii 2-3-004:004 Change in Kind to General from Beer and Wine and Change in Category to B1 from A, to its current Restaurant Beer and Wine liquor license, Category A Representing applicant: Candace Simpson, Owner. Okabe: Can you state your name and also the relationship to the business? Simpson: I'm Candace Simpson, and I am the owner. Okabe: Can you describe your business? Simpson: Yes, we're a fish and chip restaurant with a pre-existing beer and wine license, and we're looking to expand to spirits and having entertainment as well. Okabe: Have you received the application report? Simpson: Yes. Okabe: Are there any changes to the report? Simpson: No, no changes. Gonzalez: Mister Chair, and members of the Commission, this is an application for two things, change in kind of license, we're changing to a general license from a beer and wine license, and also a change in the entertainment category, they're changing to Category B1 from A. Applicant mailed 9 out of 11 notices within 100 feet, 56 out of 62 notices within 500 feet, and 0 notices to condominium or cooperative property owners, MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 8 OF 71 meeting the 3/4 notice mailing requirement. There were 55 total properties entitled to protest, and we did not receive any protests to this application. Okabe: Okay, are there any public testimony? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Discussion, Commissioners? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Okay, can I have a motion to close the public hearing? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll move to close public hearing. Wilkinson: Commissioner Wilkinson, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to close the public hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson. Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion, Commissioners? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: None, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Okabe: Motion to approve or deny Application No. 24-18? Wilkinson: Commissioner Wilkinson, motion to approve Application No. 24-18. Greenwell: Greenwell, second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 9 OF 71 Commissioner Wilkinson moved to approve Application No. 24-18, Mo's Fish and Chips LLC, dba Mohala's Bay Front Fish and Chips, for a Change in Kind to General from Beer and Wine, and Change in Category to 131 from A, to its current Restaurant Beer and Wine liquor license, Category A, located at 50 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-3-004:004, pending final inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. 5. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10: 15 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: T24-19 Walua Social LLC Walua Social 75-5864 Walua Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 7-5-009-034 Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, currently held by Los Habaneros, Inc., dba Habaneros Grill Representing applicant: Beth Rota, Owner. Okabe: Please state your name and relationship to the business? Rota: Beth Rota, I'm one of the owners and managing partners of Walua Social. Okabe: Can you describe your business? Rota: It's an Italian restaurant, the beer, liquor, and wine license is for that. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 10 OF 71 Okabe: Okay, have you received the application report? Rota: Yes. Okabe: Any changes to the report? Rota: N o . Okabe: Mr. Assistant Director? Gonzalez: Thank you, Mister Chair, the application is for a sale and transfer of license, so no mailed notices were required, only publication in the newspaper. Publication was made in West Hawaii Today and westhawaiitoday.com on Saturday, February 15, 2025. We have received no protests to this application, thank you. Okabe: Any public testimony in regards to this? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, do you have any questions or discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Gonzalez: Your DBA (Doing Business As) is Walua Social, however you guys are issuing things that says "Walua Social Club"? Rota: It's just the branding, it's not anything exclusive, it's completely a normal ala cart restaurant reservable on Open Table to the public. Gonzalez: And then, you guys don't intend to change the name? Rota: Absolutely not. Gonzalez: Yeah okay, that's all I needed to know, thank you. Rota: S u re. Okabe: Commissioners, can I have a motion to close public hearing? Wilkinson: Commissioner Wilkinson, so moved. Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Wilkinson moved to close the public hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 11 OF 71 There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Okabe: Motion to approve or deny Application No. T24-19, pending final inspection? Wilkinson: Commissioner Wilkinson, motion to approve Application No. T24-19, pending final inspection. Okabe: Is there a second? Yadao: Yadao, second. Commissioner Wilkinson moved to approve Application No. T24-19, Walua Social LLC, dba Walua Social, for a Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, currently held by Los Habaneros, Inc., dba Habaneros Grill, located at 75-5864 Walua Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, TMK: 7-5-009-034, pending final inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Yadao. Okabe: Okay, thank you. Any discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 12 OF 71 Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. VI. Preliminary Hearings (10:17 AM) 1. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10: 17 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-20 Wyatt's Place LLC Wyatt's Place 17-4003 Ahuahu Place, Kurtistown, Hawaii 1-7-021:025 Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category 131 Representing applicant: Cassandra Hitsman, and Mark Singletary, Co -owners. Okabe: Can you please state your name and also the relationship to the business? Hitsman: My name is Cassandra Hitsman, I am half owner. Singletary: I'm Mark Singletary, other half owner. Okabe: Can you describe your business? Hitsman: Sure, we're a full -service restaurant currently, we're doing hot made -to -order sandwiches like Philly cheesesteak, pastrami, we're hoping to expand into Italian food and be able to serve our customers alcohol. Okabe: Did you receive the application report? Hitsman: Yes. Okabe: Are there any changes to the report? Hitsman: I don't believe so. Okabe: Any public testimony to this? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Commission, do we have any questions or discussion in regards to this business? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 13 OF 71 Espejo: Is this the old? Singletary: You know Dimple Cheek Cafe? Espejo: So, the menu is going to change somewhat, you're changing the menu? Hitsman: Yes, so currently, we just actually got our full restaurant permits from the Planning Commission last month, but we have been doing hot sandwiches kind of from that, and we're hoping to expand and doing lasagnas, and spaghetti and meatballs and that kind of thing, so yeah different owners, different menu. Espejo: And so the bar area will be where it used to be in the store? Singletary: Yes. Hitsman: Yes, and still it's not you know we're not really marketing it as a bar, more it's just kind of an expanded restaurant space. Singletary: Yes, we don't really want to have a bar up there, we even put like a three - drink maximum on the menu, we don't want to have like a bar. Espejo: It's a nice place up there. Singletary: It's nice and big, it's great, we love it there. Hitsman: It is, it's just kind of out in the middle of nowhere. Gonzalez: So, the applicant shared with me before the hearing, Mark, that your menu you plan to include Italian food? Singletary: Yes. Gonzalez: And that's what you want to do in the space that's in the bar, the bar space that you want to make a dining area, right? Singletary: It's all going to be dining area, yes. Gonzalez: For not only your sandwiches? Singletary: Yes, when we started, we wanted to have Italian food from the beginning, but then we had the problems with the original no licensing for the restaurant turn out, it was hard to serve Italian food in to -go boxes. So, now that we can actually do sit-down dining, we're going to start expanding the menu to full Italian, but we're going to keep our sandwiches. Hitsman: But now everyone loves the sandwiches, so we have to keep them. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 14 OF 71 Singletary: Yes, we got to keep the sandwiches. Gonzalez: Thank you for providing that additional information about your business, so thank you. Okabe: Motion to approve or deny Application No. 24-20? If approved, the public hearing to be held May 1, 2025, in Hilo. Wilkinson: Commissioner Wilkinson, motion to approve Application No. 24-20. If approved, public hearing to be held May 1, 2025, in Hilo. Okabe: Can I get a second? Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Wilkinson moved to approve Application No. 24-20, Wyatt's Place LLC, dba Wyatt's Place, for an Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category 131, located at 17-4003 Ahuahu Place, Kurtistown, Hawaii, TMK: 1-7-021:025, with public hearing to be held on May 1, 2025, in Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 15 OF 71 2. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:23 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: T24-24 Akatsuki International Corporation Caf6 it Mondo 45-3580 Mamane Street, Honoka`a, Hawaii 4-5-016 : 012 Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, currently held by Caf6 it Mondo, LLC, dba Caf6 it Mondo Representing applicant: Who Yoneyama, Authorized Agent. Yoneyama: This is Miho Yoneyama, speaking on behalf of Mazakazu and Michiko Idemitsu, of Akatsuki International Corporation. Akatsuki International Corporaton purchased fee simple property located at 45-358 Mamane Street in Honoka`a, along with prior owners beautiful improvement Caf6 it Mondo. It is nicely decorated Italian restaurant that holds a Restaurant General, Category B2, liquor license which we are transferring. And since the operator left the property on February 1st, currently new owners are working to recruit new managers and chef. Trying to make soft opening on Friday, March 21 St and Saturday, March 22nd, and operating schedule is being worked on with the new team. They're thinking about Tuesday through Thursday, lunch only, Friday and Saturday, lunch and dinner, precise hours of operation has not been decided. Okabe: Okay, you received the application report? Yoneyama: Yes. Okabe: Any changes to the report? Yoneyama: Yes, that's the hours of operation is still you know under consideration. Okabe: Okay, any public testimony? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Any discussion or questions, Commissioners? Okay, yes? Greenwell: So, this 11:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. that's printed here, that there is going to be lunch and lunch only? Yoneyama: Yes, so that has been changed, it was lunch only and now the managers left so it's closed right now, and they're trying to open Friday and Saturday, but it is not too feasible to open just two days a week, so they're trying to recruit some managers and chef but that's where they are. Greenwell: Thank you. MINUTES — LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING — THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 — HILO PAGE 16 OF 71 Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve or deny Application No. T24-24? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve Application No. T24-24, and to be held on April 3, 2025, in Kona. Wilkinson: Commissioner Wilkinson, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No. T24-24, Akatsuki International Corporation, dba Cafe it Mondo, for a Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, currently held by Cafe it Mondo, LLC, dba Cafe it Mondo, located at 45-3580 Mamane Street, Honoka`a, Hawaii, TMK: 4-5-016:012, with public hearing to be held on April 3, 2025, in Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson. Okabe: Okay, moved and seconded, any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Okay, any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. THE NEXT ITEM WAS TAKEN OUT OF ORDER VIII. New Business (10:27AM) 2. Permits Issued for Ratification (10:27 AM) MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 17 OF 71 d. Cafe it Mondo, LLC, dba Cafe it Mondo, ratification of request to transfer liquor inventory to Akatsuki International Corporation, dba (10:27 AM) Caf6 it Mondo, approved by Director Gerald Takase on February 14, 2025, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 45-3580 Mamane Street, Honoka`a, Hawaii. Okabe: Can I have a motion to ratify? Taniguchi: Move to ratify. Wilkinson: Commissioner Wilkinson, second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to ratify Permits Issued for Ratification, Item No. 2(d) as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson. Okabe: Okay, discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, thank you, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. RETURNED TO THE ORDER OF BUSINESS VI. Preliminary Hearings (10:27 AM) MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 18 OF 71 3. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:27 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TM K: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-25 Kona Cocktail Academy LLC Big Island Bottle Shop 75-5729 Ali`i Drive, #C104, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 7-5-007:005 Original Retail General liquor license Representing applicant: Gabrielle Maser -Smith, Owner. Okabe: Can you please state your name and also the relationship to the business? Maser -Smith: My name is Gabrielle Maser -Smith, and I am the single member of the LLC (Limited Liability Company). Okabe: Can you describe your business? Maser -Smith: Yes, it's going to be a bottle shop, so it's like a boutique liquor store, and also convenience store. There'll be some like package snacks but mostly it will be like where you go if you want to find like the best craft beer, or the best bottle whiskey, or local rums, yeah, so it's like high -end spirits, and craft cocktails, mocktails as well, beer and wine. Okabe: Have you received the application report? Maser -Smith: Yes. Okabe: Are there any changes to the report? Maser -Smith: No. Okabe: Any public testimony? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, do you have any discussion or questions? Taniguchi: I have a question, explain the name of your LLC (Limited Liability Company), why Cocktail Academy? Maser -Smith: Because during COVID (coronavirus disease), I realized that I had a specific skillset that I learned from my mentor in Oahu when I was learning mixology, and I wanted to make that skillset available to anybody that wanted to learn it, even if they were in a rural community. And so, I built a bar at my house, and I took all of the things that I had learned and combined them into like classes, and I shot videos and then learned how to shoot videos and edit them and upload them on a college like website so that like it's online on demand. If somebody wants to learn about vodka, MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 19 OF 71 they log in, they go to the vodka class, they learn about the martini, the pop culture of the martini, who made the first martini, and then about the different vodkas, and then about vermouth, what is vermouth? Why does vermouth belong in the refrigerator? These kind of things, so when I came back to Kona, I realized that this was really like a need, and part of the bottle shop is that this could be a place where I can do tastings that are also teachings, so I can offer that to the local community. Taniguchi: Wow, thank you. Maser -Smith: My pleasure. Okabe: Mr. Greenwell? Greenwell: No, that was my question, where did this so-called academy come from, that was my question. Maser -Smith: It's online. Okabe: For our Commissioner, Mr. Espejo, what is the name of this site that you go on to find out this information? Maser -Smith: It's konacocktailacademy.com. So, it's a lot of work and I did it all by myself, so it's still a process. Basically, you buy the first 25 classes, and then I'll be developing the next 75 classes, because I really feel like it has that much information, like learning how to make syrups and shrubs and ferments. But, I started with general knowledge, what is vodka? What is gin? What is beer? What is wine? One of the challenges in the service industry is like I feel it's so hard for us to find trained employees and people don't want to spend the money on training anymore. So, kind of falls on the employee to or the person learning to find it, and what are you going to do? Go get a million different YouTube videos and watch them all, you're not going to get everything. This process I basically took from my study Of wine from my intro (introduction) into this master court of sommeliers, and I realized like wow, like you can't do this for m ixology, there's nothing like this so I kind of tried to create that. Okabe: Thank you because our exiting Commissioner Espejo, this might be something that you might explore, he is definitely a connoisseur of alcohol. Espejo: That was going to be my question, how are you gonna start off with your inventory because it's thousands of spirits and bottles of wine, so how are you gonna try and Maser -Smith: I've recently opened up Aloha Vibes in Kona for CJ Kanuha, and I've opened and runned over 15 bar programs, so I have my spirits that I have chosen that think are the best tequilas, the best whiskeys, the best local spirits, a lot of the local industry spirit companies came up while I was also learning mixology, Kohanaiki, Kuleana, all of the beer, Waikiki beer, you know craft beer went from nothing to this explosion in 10-15 years, and I was kind of part of that locally. So, my particular list, MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 20 OF 71 mean I've also been to Kentucky, I've been to the distilleries, I've been to New Mexico a couple times, it comes from an appreciation of product, also working with like Chuck Furuya, our Master of Sommeliers in this State, he really you know goes to that small farmer and that really most exquisite thing you can get, and trying to provide that to our community, because people in Kona are ready to be exposed to the finer things I think, and deserve that as well as anywhere else, even though we happen to be the end of the supply chain, so it should be challenging. Espejo: So, the consumer would come and go to your site and see what your inventory list is, and then they can order as such? Maser -Smith: Yes, and if they want to special order, I'm willing to try, I mean I've worked with Southern, I've worked with Youngs, I've worked with all the liquor distributors here, so I kind of know what we can get, and that's kind of where my list comes from. My favorite things of the things that we can get. Espejo: Thank you. Okabe: Thank you. Any other questions or discussion? There was no further discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, is there a motion to approve or deny Application No. 24-25? If approved, public hearing to be held on May 1, 2025, in Hilo, Commissioners? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll move to approve Application No. 24-25, with a public hearing to be held May 1, 2025, in Hilo. Okabe: Is there a second? Taniguchi: Second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No. 24-25, Kona Cocktail Academy LLC, dba Big Island Bottle Shop, for an Original Retail General liquor license, located at 75-5729 Ah'i Drive, #C104, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, TMK: 7-5-007:005, with public hearing to be held on May 1, 2025, in Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. Okabe: Okay, moved and seconded. Any discussion on the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: No? All approve please signify by saying "Aye." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 21 OF 71 The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. 4. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10: 34 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TM K: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: T24-26 Umekes Airport LLC Umekes KOA Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, 73-400 Kupipi Street, Aloha Location, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 7-3-043-003-0073 Sale and Transfer of the Dispenser General liquor license, Category A, currently held by Volume Services, Inc., dba Centerplate — Aloha Representing applicant: Nakoa Pabre, Owner Okabe: Can you please state your name and relationship to the business? Pabre: Nakoa Pabre, I'm the owner. Okabe: Can you describe your business? Pabre: We're a Hawaiian food restaurant that's been open almost a year and half down there already. We serve local food, right now we serve beer and wine, but looking to take over the liquor license and serve a full cocktail program. Okabe: Okay. Have you received the application report? Pabre: Yes. Okabe: Any changes? Pabre: No. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 22 OF 71 Okabe: Okay, any public testimony? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, you have any discussion or questions? Taniguchi: So, is this the restaurant in the airport? Pabre: Yes, we're in Terminal 1, which is the Southwest side, yes. Taniguchi: Oh that side. So, you're there already? Pabre: We've been there a while, yes. Taniguchi: See how much I'm in the building. Pabre: Well you know, a lot of people travel on Hawaiian side, so we supposed to be on that side but construction and waiting on Aloha services too to move us over, but we'll see how long that takes. Taniguchi: So, what are your hours? Pabre: We're open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. right now, and 365 days a year, no closing. No holidays off, no nothing, my poor crew down there. Taniguchi: So, do you have the frozen schooners over there? Pabre: No, but something to look into, then I going get your business over there. Taniguchi: I always used to go to your place in Kona at the regular restaurant, it's my favorite. Pabre: That's awesome, only thing it takes plenty freezer space, that's the only problem. Okabe: Any other questions or discussion? There was no further discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, can I have a motion? Taniguchi: Move to approve Application No. T24-26. If approved, public hearing to be held May 1, 2025, in Hilo. Greenwell: Greenwell, second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 23 OF 71 Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve Application No. T24-26, Umekes Airport LLC, dba Umekes KOA, for a Sale and Transfer of the Dispenser General liquor license, Category A, currently held by Volume Services, Inc., dba Centerplate — Aloha, located at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, 73-400 Kupipi Street, Aloha Location, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, TMK: 7-3-043-003-0073, with public hearing to be held on May 1, 2025, in Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. 5. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:37 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: T24-28 Sakura Hilo LLC Sakura Sushi & Grill Waiakea Square Warehouse, 200 Kanoelehua Avenue, #100A, Hilo, Hawaii 2-2-032:095 Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant Beer and Wine liquor license, Category A, currently held by Sakura Japanese Restaurant III Inc., dba Sakura Japanese Restaurant III Representing applicant: Miho Yoneyama, Authorized Agent. Yoneyama: This is Miho Yoneyama, being here on behalf of members of Sakura Hilo LLC (Limited Liability Company), dba (doing business as) Sakura Sushi & Grill. The restaurant is being transferred from Shi Feng Zhang of Sakura Japanese Restaurant III, Inc.as of April 1st, 2025, according to the schedule. As many of us know, Sakura MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 24 OF 71 Japanese Restaurant is a family -friendly restaurant that offers Japanese cuisine along with beer, wine, and sake. This is a transaction from Shi Feng Zhang to his group of employees who has been running the restaurant for some years, and they plan to operate without major changes. Okabe: Okay, so you received the application report? Yoneyama: Yes. Okabe: Okay, any changes to the report? Yoneyama: No, not that I know of. Okabe: Any public testimony? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Commission, any discussion or questions? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve or deny Application No. T24-28? If approved, the public hearing will be held on April 3rd, in Kona. Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll move to approve Application No. T24-28, and public hearing to be held April 3rd, 2025, in Kona. Wilkinson: Wilkinson, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No. T24-28, Sakura Hilo LLC, dba Sakura Sushi & Grill, for a Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant Beer and Wine liquor license, Category A, currently held by Sakura Japanese Restaurant III Inc., dba Sakura Japanese Restaurant III, located at Waiakea Square Warehouse, 200 Kanoelehua Avenue, #100A, Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-2-032:095, with public hearing to be held on April 3, 2025, in Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson. Okabe: Thank you, moved and seconded, discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 25 OF 71 There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. RETURNED TO SKIPPED ITEM AFTER PRELIMINARY HEARINGS V. Public Hearings (10:40 AM) 1. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:40 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TM K: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-13 A to Z Owners LLC Da Coco Shack 76-6246 Ali`i Drive, #102, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 7-6-015-023-0001 Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category 131 Representing applicant: Ashley Younger, and Vincet Zaldivar (Vinny), Co -owners. Okabe: Good morning, can you please state your name and relationship to the business? Younger: Ashley Younger, owner. Zaldivar: Coco Vinny Zaldivar, owner. Okabe: Can you please describe your business? Zaldivar: Yes, we have Da Coco Shack, it's a sandwich shop with fresh coconuts and lots of souvenir stuff, so mac (macadamia) nuts, and all local coffee, and we have morning malasadas, we have a nice array of things in store from mid -town Kona there. Okabe: Okay, you received the application report? Younger: Yes. Okabe: Any changes to the report? Younger: No. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 26 OF 71 Okabe: Assistant Director? Gonzalez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Before I move onto any report of protests, I would like to note that there may be some amendments and updates to the investigator's report based on information that we gather today during this hearing, and based on information that has been gathered in the last week. But in regards to protests, this is an application for an original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1. The applicant mailed 140 out of 143 notices within 100 feet, 223 out of 226 notices within 500 feet, and 7 notices to a condominium or cooperative property owner. There were 220 properties within 500 feet entitled to protest, and we did receive 36 verifiable protests by properties within 500 feet to this application. We also did receive 4 protests by registered voters within 500 feet entitled to protest. We have received 35 total letters of support with 26 of them being outside of 500 feet of the proposed business. Thank you. Okabe: Is there any public testimony in regards to this business? There was no public testimony. Okabe: None? Okay. Gonzalez: I understand that there's someone in the public from Kona Bali Kai, did you want to testify? Mantanez: I'm strictly an observer here, just to give real-time information to the ownership. Gonzalez: Okay, were you able to sign in for us though, so we can keep giving you information about the application? Mantanez: Yes. Gonzalez: Thank you, sir. Mantanez: Thank you. Gonzalez: Sorry about that. Okabe: Okay, no problem. Any discussion from the Commissioners, or questions? Greenwell: Yes, this is Commissioner Greenwell. What is the situation with your restrooms? Zaldivar: Well, we own two units, we own a residential unit and a commercial unit, and there's nothing that's in any of the KBK (Kona Bali Kai) laws that say that we can't use the restrooms. All the tenants that are staying there can use those restrooms, and we didn't have any issues with the restrooms, we haven't had any issues with the restrooms, we've MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 27 OF 71 been operating before and when people need to use the restroom, we let them use the restroom. Greenwell: Okay, the reason I question the restrooms is in our information, the restrooms are through a laundry room? Zaldivar: It's all right there in the same, you go through one door and there's restrooms there, and there's a laundry room and then restrooms. It's all part of the amenities of the property. Greenwell: Okay, for clarification purposes, the restrooms are there, I read the covenants and the rules of the association, it was my interpretation that the restrooms were there for the people that own units. You're telling me that you own a unit, so because you have a business, you following me where I'm going? Because you have a business, any customers of yours can use those restrooms, is that correct? Zaldivar: Well so here, that is correct is there's in the KBK (Kona Bali Kai) rules, it doesn't say that we cannot use the restrooms because we're an owner and our guests are allowed to use them, I have a residential and a commercial unit. Greenwell: Yes, that's why I'm asking for clarification. Zaldivar: All of them both have access and the fobs, they give us the fobs to use the restrooms, and we let everybody use them. Gonzalez: Okay, I'm going to step in here. So, may I call you Vinny? Zaldivar: Sure. Gonzalez: So, I visited you a few weeks ago, I suggested to you that you should submit something in writing to the Commission to address the concerns raised, thank you for submitting that for the Commission so they could read it beforehand. I think what the Commissioners are getting at, and they're referring to Kona Bali Kai Condominium House Rules Revised 3-2017, and specifically under Section C, Common Elements, and within Common Elements, there's a note that says commercial tenants shall not be permitted to use the common elements, such as the pool, jacuzzi, BBQ (barbeque) area, and laundry facility, etc. So, that's what he's asking you to clear up, so there is something in writing saying the commercial tenants are not supposed to be utilizing the bathroom which is located in this laundry facility. Zaldivar: It's weird because they give us fobs and we always use it. Gonzalez: Right? So Zaldivar: Okay, so I couldn't find that, I didn't see that, I read through it, I didn't see that. But, at the same time, Da Poke Shack doesn't have a restroom and they've been doing fine for 17 years, we're going to be the same way, there's no issue with MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 28 OF 71 restrooms, in fact since we've been operating, we let somebody use the restroom twice in months, and months, and months. So, our estimate, we have 153 units, 86% of all those units are vacation rentals, there's 23 full-time people there, all those people that are going to be coming into our shop already have access and a fob to use those restrooms and those facilities. So, in our estimate, we're not going to have issues with restrooms, we haven't had them in the past, I don't see it being an issue in the future. Gonzalez: Okay, so that's where the Commission is coming from. Zaldivar: Sure, I understand. Gonzalez: So, just answer the questions, like you're doing, the best you can today Zaldivar: I understand completely. Gonzalez: Most of them are trying to get a clear picture, okay? Zaldivar: You know, if there are any issues, then we can address them as we go. Gonzalez: Yes, remember though, Da Poke Shack is a retail store, so they're not serving customers on premises, so people are supposed to go there pick up stuff and then they don't stay there. So, that's why they do have a restroom on their floor plan in their unit as well for use by employees and customers if necessary, separate from the common area one, so that's a distinction there, just food for thought. Zaldivar: Okay, got you. Gonzalez: Yeah, but I get where you're coming from, so Zaldivar: And if there is a big issue, my unit for residential is upstairs, they can use it. Gonzalez: this is the thing yeah, all we want is, like for the Commission to make a decision today, they're going to need as much information so they're comfortable making a decision that's fair to everybody. You and the people that have written letters of support and have written letters of protest, that's their goal, so that's the dialogue here. Keep in mind that I think we emailed you the house rules and the covenants. Zaldivar: We read it, it was 90 pages, I was doing my best, and I couldn't even read some of it, it was so small, but I was doing my best. Gonzalez: But the thing is, the Commission doesn't have any sway or control over the specific condo rules that are applicable to you guys, and that's why they're concerned that if they give an approval, they don't want to give anything contradictory to the house rules that might make more issues for you, right? And that's where we're coming from. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 29 OF 71 Zaldivar: And, I also read that if we do something outside of the house rules, we can remedy it and there's a small fine of $50.00 here and there. I would be willing to work with the association, I'm a collaborative organization, and as you can see with 35 letters of support, they want this, the community needs it, there's nothing to eat and nothing to do in that little center in Kona there, and across the street there's a hostel, they need stuff and pick-up sandwiches. And, I don't know, have you heard of "Ike's Sandwiches?" They're coming, it's going to be their first franchise here in Hawaii, in all of the Hawaiian Islands, they have over 100 shops in California, Arizona, and Louisiana. So, I'm bringing Ike's into the shop, it's going to be very exciting because he's a worldwide brand, Ike's does all kinds of really good things. We're going to bring a lot of fun, family -friendly entertainment there, food and coconuts. If somebody wants a coconut with rum in it, this will be kind of the only places on the Big Island to do that, and in a style and a way that's going to give back more than just a bar or anything. Proceeds for that is going to be coming back to the island, we're planting coconut trees, we have a big project planned on this side with some partners, so it's about a long game community collaborative event, so this is what this is. Greenwell: Again, can I call you Vin? Zaldivar: Please. Greenwell: We're just trying to get our ducks in a row. Zaldivar: Amen. Greenwell: Your hours of operation until 2:00 a.m. in the morning? Zaldivar: Where's that? Greenwell: In the application here it said you were gonna start at 10:00 a.m. in the morning, and go until 2:00 a.m. the following day. Zaldivar: Well, I read the rules, there's a quiet hour that starts at 9:00 p.m., and then I'd say we were just going to probably go within the rules of the association until about 10:00 p.m., and not do 2:00 a.m. Greenwell: Okay, I'm just going by what I read here. Zaldivar: I didn't even remember putting that, maybe we just put max just trying to max out I guess, I don't know, I don't remember that. Younger: When we were filling it out, they said put the max amount that you think you could do, and then you can lessen it, but so that's why. Greenwell: Okay, but you're putting the max amount Younger: No. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 30 OF 71 Greenwell: And we're approving it is two different things, so you might go back and reapply or relook at that again because 2:00 a.m. in the morning, I can hear that people are going to be upset. Younger: Yes, for sure, plus we want to be open in the morning at 7:00 a.m. for coffee and donuts and you know all that stuff. Okabe: If you would like to amend your report, you can do it right now. Zaldivar: Yes, let's amend it. Gonzalez: So, that was the question, you know if there's any corrections. You guys did the report back in 2024 when you first applied, right? And so, that's why you're going to ask for what's the default, which is the 2:00 a.m. closing. Younger: Got it. Zaldivar: I'd like to amend that. Gonzalez: Yes, so you can tell us right now what your hours you plan on operating. Zaldivar: I would say 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., is more in line with what we're gonna be able to do anyways. Gonzalez: Thank you. Does that help, Commissioner Greenwell, to answer your question? Greenwell: Yes, that helps on that particular item. Taniguchi: I have a question, one of the complaints that came in, objections to your license, was from the people that live directly above your store. Zaldivar: We own the unit right above our store. Taniguchi: Well, I don't know, that's what the letter said, they live right above it, and it was regarding noise. So, what kind of music were you planning to have? Zaldivar: That was another thing that I was calling, you know I read the protest letters, and I was calling them to explain that when you fill it out, you check the box, live or recorded entertainment, I think they had misconstrued what we were doing. If there's any live music or any music at all, it's going to be Hawaiian music on the ukulele on the weekends, but they might have the wrong idea of what we're doing because honestly we don't have a plan of having a night club or any noise, it's just sandwiches and coconut cocktails, you know. And so, in that way, I was trying to communicate that to people, so there's not going to be any noise. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 31 OF 71 Taniguchi: So, you're saying this letter that the person sent in, let me see it, I know I read it saying that they live right above you, but I guess everybody else lives above you too if you on the ground floor. Wilkinson: Mr. Zaldivar? Zaldivar: Yes? Wilkinson: Having received all these letters of protests, and sounds like you did reach out to the individuals, have you reached out to the AOAO (Association of Apartment Owners), and gone to a Board meeting or anything, or have a community meeting? Zaldivar: Well so what's interesting is yes, I've applied to be on the Board, I have an interview next week, they finally gonna interview us to be on the Board. And, I spoke to Mike Gaudette, the President, and after speaking to him, he had already told me already sent in a protest, he owns four units himself, and he didn't know about what we were doing. And so, well Mike, I said, now that you know that there's not going to be any noise, and that's not our plan, he said well it's too late to protract it but I'm glad that you told me. And, I asked him, I said please communicate that to the Board because they got the wrong idea, you know. So, it's one of these things where I can just show them, and they're going to be happy when they come in and see the new floor that we put in and the beautiful bar, and all the cool things that are going to go on in there, it's going to improve the property values. I mean, nobody on the Board even lives here, they're here 7-20 days a year, they're all off -island. They just have this image of what's going to go on here, but when they come and see it, they're going to know and be very happy, their room rates are going up. To all the people that they rent to, their room rates are going up because there's amenities now, fresh coconuts is a beautiful amenity in Hawaii. Greenwell: So, you're saying in hindsight maybe you should have met with the association? Zaldivar: Oh no, I called them, they're all off -island, nobody called me back until recently. I communicate regularly, and they're kind of an absentee Board, that's why want to be on the Board. Greenwell: Okay, we're hearing basically your side of the coin, and not the other side of the coin. So, if you haven't sat down and talked with the Board one on one, if you haven't had any discussion with the Board, we're kind of in limbo as to why there are so many protests. Zaldivar: Well, I can speculate, I can tell you why. Greenwell: Yes MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 32 OF 71 Zaldivar: There's one Board member that I texted with after, he wouldn't call me back, but he texted me back, he goes, "I hate other people's music." He's on the Board and he sent a blanket email out to every owner, and that's why you got so much action. He put a short form on how to protest, and that's why you got so many, and I tried to contact them all, and I'm here and nobody ever called me, I mean I'm here everyday. We open the shop, we're working hard to create jobs, create economic development. You know, we're a family organization, we don't even drink alcohol, none of my family does. But we want it for their people who requested it for months, I want rum in my coconut, they want it and they're there on vacation. So, I'm listening to the market, I'm listening to the community, the youth over at Banyans, they go surfing and they want some place to grab a sandwich and hang out, and that's something we need down there. And so, even young people from 21-35, they don't even have a place to go meet a friend or go on a date. There's nothing to do down there, it just shuts down, so we're going to create that for people, and I do feel that the community and the owners are going to love it. I'm going to slowly but surely show them, I know a lot of people have difficulty with change, but this is good change and it's not a big change, it's rum in the coconut, and everything else is beautiful, sandwiches and snacks, so. Greenwell: You know, taking into consideration that you came all the way here to this meeting today shows us one side, your side of the story. I'm questioning whether we should take a continuance and get more information from the other side, I don't know. Wilkinson: Genuinely, I appreciate that you have verbally made a change to reduce the hours, that seems to address a lot of the issues. I am concerned about the bathroom, the situation and if it's a violation of the house rules. And you have problematic owners who don't like other people's music, and don't like people parking there, are they going to create a problem for you with the bathrooms and perhaps establishing an agreement first? Zaldivar: And I'll tell you, I have lots of ways to combat any issues, like I said, 86% of our customers and our research are already going to have access to that, I don't think it's going to be a big issue but if it is, we own and control 15 parking spaces. Theres' nine spaces deeded to Da Coco Shack, there's two spaces deeded to the residential unit above us, and we have full collaboration with Da Poke Shack and their four spaces, so we don't have a parking issue at all. Not a lot of people have 15 parking spaces, right? And on top of that I can take one of my spaces, and if we had to, we put in a nice bathroom there if we had to, that's my property and we can do it, that's later. Mantanez: That's also against the house rules but. Zaldivar: It's limited common area, there's things that we can do with our property that the association can't necessarily dictate, but those are our properties. So, we can work through it, we're in collaboration, we're not in competition, we're here to add value, we're not here to detract value or disrupt. I'm telling you right now, the hostel across the street, they wrote us a nice letter, the people in all the different condominium units have come by and said, "When are you opening? Come on." I mean, you can please some of the people some of the time, you cannot please all the people all the time even MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 33 OF 71 though I try. And I tell you from the bottom of my heart, it's taken a lot of time, energy, capital, that I didn't have to do. We have a beautiful coconut water business, we have beautiful things that we're doing with our farms, and this is something as a service to the community and to the KBK (Kona Bali Kai), so any resistance we're getting I can guarantee you is going to go away once they see what we're doing. Okabe: Any other questions? Taniguchi: Yes, so to clarify, you have control over how many parking spaces? There's 15 total, right? Somebody sent another letter and about how many spaces there are. Zaldivar: They said I had nine on Da Coco Shack, they don't know that I own a residential that has another two, and they didn't mention the one in Taniguchi: Oh so, they're not reserved, they're all just? Zaldivar: They're our deeded spaces. Taniguchi: Oh okay, so that's yours? Zaldivar: And we can put signs that say "Just Da Poke Shack and Da Coco Shack", we can do that. We haven't done that because we want to collaborate, but we locked them down, I can put a thing there and charge people for parking if I wanted to but we're not doing that, we want to keep it open. Taniguchi: And also, you know what, on the house rules regarding commercial things, right? It's kind of gray in reading it, but you can't have more than so many people on premises during a 24-hour period, and that kind of stuff. Zaldivar: On the residential side though. Taniguchi: Are you going to have problems with the Board? Zaldivar: I don't see how the Board can even limit that on a commercial unit, whatever put inside my commercial space, I'm going to have occupancy of probably 40 people, so I don't think they can limit what I do inside of my shop, it's my shop. Taniguchi: Yeah, so that's where I think if you have it on the residential side, you can't have it, I mean you need to get approval. Greenwell: Yes, that's the residential side. Zaldivar: That's residential. Taniguchi: But on the commercial, you shouldn't have any problem? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 34 OF 71 Zaldivar: No, I mean I don't think they would want to give that a problem, these are all servicing their people, you know they're short-term renters, they come in from all over the world, they can come down, they can watch the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fight, the game, they can have a sandwich, they can have rum and coconuts, and go right back up to the room, they don't have to drive anywhere, that's huge, a huge amenity. Taniguchi: So, getting back to your music thing too, just to double check, the Hawaiian music or whatever is going to be played music, or is it live? Zaldivar: I think I would like to have a live ukulele player on the weekends, when there's the traffic that warrants it. Mainly everything else is probably going to be football games and basketball games, and baseball games for most of the part, then when we have some entertainment we can put that on, maybe do a I don't know, unless it's by request we're not going to be doing anything crazy. Taniguchi: Yeah, just that your noise thing is from 9:00 p.m., right? Zaldivar: Check this out, this whole Da Coco Shack is concrete, you can't hear much out of that thing. It's nice and I mean I'm not pumping drums or we're not doing anything like that. So, there's a road right there too, you got mopeds, you got diesels, you got the ocean, they're not going to hear us, you know. We're not creating any noise, I mean maybe if I'm really hammered by a coconut or something, tough one but it's normal. Wilkinson: Your application says that you also operate a scooter rental? Zaldivar: No, that was just a test, I already got them for sale, that didn't work, it was a bad test, I didn't like them, pain in the butt. Espejo: I got a question, we talking a space of 766 square feet, alright. What is capacity if you have dining room tables? Zaldivar: Yeah, like I said it's going to be around 40 you know, 27 maybe lower, we just have a counter, we have our equipment and then we have four tops, and there's plenty of room. Espejo: So that's my point is that you're not going to have a whole lot of people there at one time unless it's elbow to elbow people, right? Zaldivar: Well unless they want to like, I don't know, we have a big soccer team that comes in and wants a sandwich, they'll just be in line, I don't think it's going to be an issue. Espejo: So now does the Department of Health tell you how many people you can have then, or is it the Fire Department? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 35 OF 71 Zaldivar: There's plenty room, they signed off on everything, Fire Department signed off, I mean I don't know what the exact occupancy is at Public Works I got to check with. Espejo: I'm just trying to get an overall picture of how many people you're going to put in your place at one time, that you would have all of these protests. Zaldivar: Max capacity on average probably be like eight people, 10 people. Espejo: Thank you. Okabe: Okay, any other questions? Gonzalez: Pardon me, this is going to take a while because we have you here and I want to get as much information from you so that the Commissioners can decide if they have enough information to make a decision today, is that fair enough? And, if you want to take a break, we can. Zaldivar: No, let's do it. Gonzalez: Some of the things that we touched upon from the questions from the Commissioners, so Commissioner Espejo just asked about the square footage. In the report we list the square footage as 766 feet, however in the agreement to buy and sell in the commercial lease agreement, there is a disclaimer saying the actual square footage is actually 589 square feet, and it's being subject to review. So, having been in the space, I don't think it's 766 square feet Zaldivar: Okay. Gonzalez: It's 589, but the question is this, is it 589 or 766, and have you guys been able to clarify that with the person you're leasing it from? Zaldivar: I think he put it in there because he wasn't sure, but on the public records, the County records, it's 766 right now. So, I took measurements, it's over 600, 1 mean it's way over 600. So, I think what he did there is he didn't think that it was proper, so he put it in there so that I can get a lower price on the option. Gonzalez: Okay, so the answer of whether it's 766 or 589, it hasn't been clarified yet? Zaldivar: 600 is what we measured, over 600, yeah. Gonzalez: Your measurement? Thank you. And that was one of those things that where I said we might have to update the report. Zaldivar: Okay no problem. Gonzalez: But it's still up in the air. When I met with you February 26, 2025, you said you had purchased Unit 102, your Da Coco Shack location, you told me you purchased MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 36 OF 71 Unit 102, so does that mean you exercised the option to purchase that was a part of your commercial lease agreement? Zaldivar: Yes, we're exercising now, yes. Gonzalez: Can you provide us the executed documents for that purchase option because we don't have an executed Zaldivar: Yeah, we didn't even record it yet, but I can provide it for you. Gonzalez: Thank you. Zaldivar: We're doing that now with the seller, he's carrying the note. Gonzalez: Yes, because what we have right now, something signed by your side, but there's nothing signed by the seller's side. Zaldivar: Oh really? Gonzalez: Yes, in our files. Zaldivar: Maybe we gave you the wrong one, but we have an executed copy, we'll get it to you. Gonzalez: No, I think you gave us the copy of whatever you had when you applied, and then you didn't exercise the option yet. Younger: Yes, that's correct. Gonzalez: And so, that's why when we checked on the real property website too, there's still no change on the owner as well. Zaldivar: Yeah I know, we haven't recorded yet, so it's not going to update and we weren't going to do that until our option is not due until August, so this year we were going to exercise, like we've already Younger: But, we've already given another down payment. Zaldivar: Yeah, we've already paid in on that. I'll get you an updated executed copy of that agreement, I'll get you that. Gonzalez: Under Clause 5 under house rules, talks about common areas, I'm sorry under Clause 5 of your commercial lease agreement, it says you agree to conform with rules and regulations and all condo documents. So that includes the house rules, any of the restated bylaws and the declarations of the Kona Bali Kai Condo Complex. So that's why I think there's some questions about specific provisions in those documents, and how you've been able to work that out with the condo owners. So, whatever you MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 37 OF 71 can answer definitively today just try, but like one of the Commissioners noted, we don't have anyone here from the association to answer questions right now. Zaldivar: This is the Site Manager, Jeremy, he can answer questions. Gonzalez: Okay so that's what I'll get into afterwards. Zaldivar: And then, if he wants to, he's here as an observer but the noise control, I have no problems with that, there's not going to be any noise issues. Safety and security, if there is any security issues if I'm there, I'm 6'577, 1 can be security if I have to, but I can also hire a team to make sure nothing goes wrong. The community engagement, I've spoken with a lot of owners in that property who have multiple units, they love this idea. The positive that we've already done by serving fresh coconuts, you know I'm buying coconuts from the local tree guys, I don't know if you know Chewy on this side, he drove up saddle road with 300 coconuts, you know for me at a time if we run out, this is a positive impactful thing that we're doing, it creates jobs and industry and it creates revenue for people. The restrooms, we can address all the restroom issues, like I said worst case scenario, they can use my space right up the stairway, don't care, I mean that's fine. Common areas, I've had lots of great conversations with the President, many conversations, he said you can use the front area, he said we got to do this, we got to do that, he loves all of our ideas. And then you know, the Board is kind of complacent, they shoot it down. But, I'm going to be on the Board soon, there's a new seat on the Board that's going to get filled, and I think that's going to change a lot of things here. Parking, we have 15 spaces, mostly units surrounding are excited about these sandwiches and these coconuts. Da Poke Shack is very excited because I'm going to bring more action and that's going to improve his business, and buying begats buying, and this is what we need to do. You know some people have this scarcity mindset, like oh they're going to take my cheese, or something bad is going to happen but it's going to create beautiful things that you know maybe they can't see right now. And the hostel is definitely going to have higher room rates because they're going to have so much good stuff, food right across the street, there's a crosswalk that connects Da Coco Shack and the hostel. And so, I'm super excited, I'm honored and grateful to you guys for taking so much time for us, this is going to be one of many Da Coco Shacks to go on a lot of islands, we plan on making this thing, this is the first one in Kona, but we're planning with Ike to take this to `O`ahu, Kauai, Maui, Fiji, Guam, we want to make this a beautiful island platform long-term. Going to bring a lot of jobs to Hawaii, and that's what our goal is to help. Thank you. Gonzalez: Thank you, Vinny. So, the thing is this, I don't think your vision and what you want to do is what we're questioning here, the Commission is questioning. What they're trying to figure out because there's an element of alcohol now being introduced, and some of the letters of concern and protests, that's what they bring up, the clientele or the gathering and what might happen with the association of alcohol, yeah? And so, that's what this Commission is tasked with because they approve whether a business can sell and serve alcohol. So, along those lines I see you went through your multi - point written list that you had prepared for us to give us more information. And, you had mentioned in there that you hired a security company, but then today you said you can, MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 38 OF 71 so did you hire one? And if you did, what is the name of the security company you plan to utilize? Zaldivar: So, we own an interest in a security company called "Watch Dog" and if we have to, they're already ready to go, and Ashley, she helped me write this, and so didn't catch that, that she said we already hired them but she's got them ready to go. We haven't hired them yet because we don't need security right now, we're pretty safe, but we have them ready to go. Gonzalez: Also in that letter you folks said you are willing to have meetings with residents. Thank you very much for that, if you do have meetings with residents, well have you had any meetings with residents prior to this Commission? Zaldivar: Yes. Gonzalez: Okay, and I think you talked about some of them today. Zaldivar: Yes, there's a gentlemen named Isaac, he owns a couple units there I believe, we had great conversations, he's excited. Cody, I had great conversations with him, he sent us a letter in. There's a lot of people, a lady named Mary, I forget her unit number but even people that didn't get around to writing letters, I've had many good conversations. I've actually surveyed the entire pool for six weeks in a row, and not one of them at the pool said they wouldn't enjoy a spirit with a coconut, I've gotten 100 out of 100. So, I'm ready to withdraw my license if it's that big of a deal, I don't need it, I don't have to have it, but I'm telling you that it's an amenity, and it's going to benefit the community and the tax revenue as well. Gonzalez: So Cody, is that Cody Doucette, and then Isaac Owlett? Zaldivar: Yes. Gonzalez: Yes, we got the letters from them. Greenwell: So, Mr. Chair, I'm asking for a continuance so we can get more information? He has told us his side of the story, I don't want to get in a role with the association, if the association were to come in here and speak. Zaldivar: He's right here. Greenwell: We would have to give them that same time that we give you. So, we've heard from you, I'd like to hear from either more investigation by our Department and/or more representation from the owners that did protest. I'm not against what you're doing, I just don't want to be out there in left field when the association comes in here and tells me, "Mr. Greenwell, you didn't hear from us." I realize they should have been hear or they could have been hear today? Zaldivar: How many letters of protests did we get? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 39 OF 71 Greenwell: 36. Zaldivar: And, how many letters of support? Gonzalez: 35. Zaldivar: Okay, now what is a continuance? What is that actual continuance do to us on a timeline? Gonzalez: On a what? Zaldivar: Timeline, like how long is this continuance, what is this going to take? Greenwell: I'm looking at maybe a month, just next month, the meeting is going to be in Kona next month. Zaldivar: Okay. Greenwell: In the meantime, you or the Department can bring in more information, the association can figure out if there are any rules that are being bent. Zaldivar: I'm not bending any rules, but in all due respect, Mr. Greenwell, this delay you have so much information, and I don't know if I can be there at the meeting in a month, I've already taken so many things I have to be at, I don't know if I can be there in another month because I'm traveling, I leave on the 24t", and I don't think I get back here for another two months. Mantanez: If you have specific questions, I can answer specific questions, but as far as giving you an opinion, that is something I am not willing to do. Okabe: At this time, we're still in the Public Hearing section, so you need to come before the Commission, and state your name because it's being recorded and we have you on record. Mantanez: My name is Jeremy Mantanez, I'm the Site Manager for Kona Bali Kai, I'm here to represent the ownership as a whole for the HOA (Home Owners Association). Okabe: So, would you like to make any statement at this time before we open it up for questions? Mantanez: No, thank you. Okabe: Commissioners, do you have anything you wanted to ask? Taniguchi: I can go back and ask the question again. So, regarding the commercial entity, in reading the house rules, so it states that just the tenants, the owners, and their guests can use the common areas. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 40 OF 71 Mantanez: That is correct. Taniguchi: What about commercial? Mantanez: Commercial customers are not allowed to use our restroom facilities, as a matter of fact, we have signage around the property as well. Their staff is allowed to use the restroom facilities, as in you know Vinny would be either the renter or the owner's said units, his staff would technically be his guests. His customers are customers and customers only, they are not there as guests of Kona Bali Kai, they are not residents of Kona Bali Kai. Taniguchi: So if his customers you know sitting around eating or whatever and want to use the bathroom, and goes up to his unit, that's fine with the rules? Mantanez: That's fine, we don't have anything against that. Taniguchi: Oh okay, that's good to know. As far as the, you know like if it's Hawaiian music, I don't think it's going to be that big of a problem, but certain kinds of music can resonate all the way through, yeah? Mantanez: Absolutely. Taniguchi: Especially the pounding kind, you know when the cars come pass you? Mantanez: Our concrete is pretty much CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) so it is hollow through the inside, it's not solid concrete as most people would think, you know it's got some metal structuring through it, sound does resonate if it is loud enough. Taniguchi: But the pounding one would resonate all the way up, right? Zaldivar: Ukulele is smooth. Taniguchi: Ukulele and that kind of stuff I don't think would be that bad but you never know. So, that 9:00 p.m. thing for noise is from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. in the morning, right? Mantanez: Yes, and then on Saturday Sunday, it is extended until 10:00 p.m., okay, I'm sorry Friday and Saturday, Sunday it goes back to 9:00 p.m. and on holidays. Taniguchi: And as far as the parking situation, he has control of the 15 spots? Mantanez: Now, here's a question I'd like to propose, if you do have staff utilizing that parking as well, you do also have a large truck parked in one of those parking stalls, you're losing parking you know quick. Now you can reserve your parking stalls all you like, but we could possibly do the same. Zaldivar: Yes, this is fine. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 41 OF 71 Mantanez: Okay, I'm just saying it works both ways. Zaldivar: Yes, we don't have a parking issue though, there's a lot of spaces, anybody who's staying at the property that's going to walk down, they don't need a parking space, and any community people who I've talked to that are walking in, they're walking in and walking home, they're right here. Like I said, there's 200+ residents in 500 feet, they're all walking there, they're not driving, and we don't have a parking issue at all. Taniguchi: Thank you. Espejo: As a Site Manager, you are in communication with the Board? Mantanez: Yes. Espejo: And so, I would imagine that the Board would want to resolve this, and they would have met on this situation. Mantanez: We weren't aware of the application until we received the letter from you, you know after it had been submitted from Vi n ny, so this was something that came in through the mail through the ownership and the HOA (Homeowners Association) at the same time. I roughly receive the same notice, so there was no you know talk about it prior to the notice coming out. Espejo: So, that notice was to you from the Board? Mantanez: We received notice probably about four weeks ago? Espejo: Four weeks ago? Mantanez: Yes, in regards to this plan. Okabe: Mr. Greenwell? Greenwell: How often do you have Board meetings? Mantanez: We have our annual Board meetings as per usual, usually it's scheduled usually every three months or so. Greenwell: Every three months? Mantanez: Yes. We do have work sessions every month. Greenwell: Do you know if this is an agendized item to come up before your next Board meeting? Zaldivar: I called them and requested a special meeting, they turned me down. They turned me down. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 42 OF 71 Mantanez: I'm not sure. Zaldivar: I've sent many emails to the whole Board, they said we don't want to speak to you, they turned me down. I've tried to communicate Wilkinson: You're a tenant though, you have the right to. Zaldivar: Oh yeah, I mean I know I have the right but they don't want to talk to me. Wilkinson: In a special meeting, when is your next meeting scheduled? Mantanez: I'll have to look that up, I'm not sure. Zaldivar: I've had many, I've called, and I've written, the President was out of communication, he was in the Philippines for two months, I've been trying, it's been difficult, and I'm working hard here doing my best. Taniguchi: So, how many of the Board members are residents? Mantanez: Currently, we don't have any Board members who live on island, we do have an open Board seat that they're trying to fill at this particular juncture, there are a few interested parties at this point at this time. Hopefully our next Board member, and again these are all volunteer positions, so we need to find somebody that actually wants to be a Board member, and most of the time it's Taniguchi: How many Board members are there? Mantanez: Right now we have Zaldivar: Six, there's an open seat. Mantanez: Six, yes. Taniguchi: So, seven total? Mantanez: That's correct. Greenwell: So, to clarify, you said none of the Board are residents of the building? Mantanez: They do not live on island, no. Taniguchi: Or in the building? Zaldivar: Oregon, San Mateo, Pennsylvania, they're never here. I spoke with one person who sent a letter in, he said that's my wife, I love what you're doing, we're never on island, maybe seven days a year. I said, "Okay, thanks man." Maybe you can get Row to support us, that's just the way it's been for me. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 43 OF 71 Okabe: Brandon? Gonzalez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. If either of you can answer this for me based in light of some of the questions that Mr. Espejo asked about, Vinny, according to your commercial lease agreement, Clause 10, Parking, there are nine stalls assigned to Unit 102, specifically numbered assigned, okay, however having talked to Dustin is your assistant yeah? Mantanez: Dustin is the Assistant Site Manager. Gonzalez: He was very helpful in showing me around the property, those nine stalls are located in the parking lot in front of Da Poke Shack, and those are open for use by Da Poke Shack, actually whoever is visiting Kona Bali Kai. Zaldivar: Well, they're my spaces, I can do whatever I want. Gonzalez: Well, they're assigned to your unit. Zaldivar: Yeah. Gonzalez: But, you share their use with everybody that uses Kona Bali Kai, including Da Poke Shack. Zaldivar: Yeah, we collaborate, yes we do. They also let me use theirs. Gonzalez: Well, I'll get to that in a second, part of those nine stalls, you have that huge container box truck, and then in one of those stalls you have four of those scooters left. think that's what Jeremy was talking about, like there's two stalls that are filled right now, so those are of the nine, right? Yes or no? Zaldivar: No, those are actually Da Poke Shack's. Gonzalez: Those are Da Poke Shack's? Zaldivar: Yes. Gonzalez: Okay. Zaldivar: So, that box truck goes in and out, and at anytime I can put it at my warehouse, and those scooters are gone, I already sold them pretty much, so at the end of the day if we need parking there's parking. Right now Gonzalez: Let me ask my question, okay? Zaldivar: Okay. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 44 OF 71 Gonzalez: Because everybody says they have parking, my point is this, everybody is using those stalls, and you don't have a monitor out there to say that's only for me right there because Zaldivar: Al comes out, and he goes, hey are you leaving Gonzalez: No he's not, he's behind the counter making poke. Zaldivar: Al doesn't work behind the counter. Gonzalez: So, let me finish my question, please. Zaldivar: Okay. Gonzalez: I'm not trying to trap you, I'm trying to get more information. On Exhibit 3 to the application, in that parking lot we're talking about, there's one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten stalls marked, okay, but you're saying there's nine, but there's 10 there. So, I'm saying there's actually one extra in there? Zaldivar: No, but there's four, Da Poke Shack has four, we have nine, and then I have two more. Gonzalez: So, what I would like at the next meeting, because when I went there, there were cars parked in the stalls, I couldn't see the stall numbers. So, if there is a site plan with the numbered stalls and how it correlates to what is on this drawing, I think that would be super helpful, because there's 10 stalls drawn on this picture, but you say there's only nine in that front. Zaldivar: I own nine of them, Da Poke Shack owns four Gonzalez: And that's what we're trying to figure out, which are the nine that are called out on the commercial lease agreement. Zaldivar: I have it here, it's all assigned to me, it's the first eight Gonzalez: Okay, well I asked for any information in writing last week, okay, and then on Ali`i Drive right in front of Unit 102, there are five stalls, yeah? Of those five stalls, one is a handicap parking, and it actually says guest. The two right next to that also say guest, guest. And then, the two stalls closest to 102 are numbered 221 and 222, they are not part of your lease. Zaldivar: Da Poke Shack. Gonzalez: That's Da Poke Shack? Zaldivar: Yes. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 45 OF 71 Gonzalez: Thank you, that's where I was getting. Zaldivar: That's it. Gonzalez: Because I was assuming there's some kind of parking Zaldivar: And we all collaborate on that, yes, his four and our nine together, and then like I said I have two more. Gonzalez: Yes, okay. Wilkinson: Have you talked to him potentially about using his bathroom if necessary? Zaldivar: Oh yes, I've been friends with Al for 15 years, and I've used that bathroom, it's not glorious, I wouldn't send my customers in there, but they could use it if they want anytime, I have full access, even after hours he'd let me. Gonzalez: Okay, so I'm just trying to ask my questions. Zaldivar: Please. Gonzalez: To get the information out faster, I don't want to cut you off, so afterwards you can talk all you want some more if the Commission has more questions too. So, as of February 26-27, 2025) you're not open for business, right? Zaldivar: I'm open for business now, I just got my equipment in. Gonzalez: As of when? Zaldivar: As of yesterday, since my coconut tools came in, I ordered the coconuts, I got a sandwich oven coming in, I got fire inspector signed off, I got health department signed off, we're going. Gonzalez: So, you have your Certificate of Occupancy for the space? Zaldivar: I got the, here you go. Gonzalez: Awesome. Oh no, that's not the Certificate of Occupancy, that's the Final Inspection Checklist. So, this was one of the questions the Commission was asking, people are allowed in the space, and you said you had to check with Public Works. Zaldivar: Yes. Gonzalez: That's one of the documents that the Building Division would give you after all of those agencies sign off, and that would tell you based on square footage and the kind of use that you're going to be using as business, how many people can safely fit in the space according to the building code, and that's what we add to our file, and that's MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 46 OF 71 why if you had it I would totally take it, but I'm going to make a copy of what you got today, yeah. Zaldivar: Please. So, Fire and Health Department, I had the Health Department pass, and I've been operating, and so there's no issue with me operating, with alcohol that's a different thing. Gonzalez: Right. No, because when I was there last week Wednesday, there was a guy that walked in but you told him you were closed, you didn't have any product in refrigeration. Zaldivar: Yeah, I emptied the whole place, you see the new ocean floor? Gonzalez: I did. Zaldivar: That's why we emptied it, but now when you walk in, you see the beach and the ocean floor, beautiful live edge bar, it's coming together nicely, and now when you see me open a coconut live there, that's the show, so I'm really excited, and any questions, please. I'm here, I have all day, we're gonna take little Coco to the zoo after this but that's it. Gonzalez: The other thing was this, I mentioned this to you when I visited you the other week. The noise concerns that our Department has dealt with isn't just about the music or the entertainment itself, it has to deal with the people coming and going from your establishment, so keep that in mind. I don't think that has been specifically addressed, but that has been some of the concerns in the letters about the people coming and going, and you do have a responsibility if you have a liquor license to control what your customers are doing as they are entering and leaving your place. Zaldivar: Sure. Gonzalez: Yes, that's just a heads up. Zaldivar: Yes. Gonzalez: Regarding residential Unit 230, which is like it's right above Unit 102? Zaldivar: It's exactly above Da Coco Shack. Gonzalez: And you state that you own it. Zaldivar: Yes. Gonzalez: Our check of the property tax records show that you do not own it, in fact we actually received a letter of support from another women claiming she owned the unit and MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 47 OF 71 Zaldivar: A lady? Gonzalez: Yes. Zaldivar: 230 or 231 ? Gonzalez: No, she said 230. Zaldivar: Well, I know we just closed escrow on that. Maybe the records haven't updated? Gonzalez: Well, this is totally separate, there's two things. Zaldivar: Okay. Gonzalez: Number one, she wrote a letter that we received on February 24, 2025. Actually it's not a she, sorry, it's from Matthew Ardisson. Zaldivar: Oh that's our, yeah. Gonzalez: Claiming he owns the Unit 230, but actually the Unit 230 according to the real property tax records are owned by Billie Jo and Georgette Kailimai. Zaldivar: It hasn't updated. Gonzalez: That's why I was going to ask you, when did the sale transpire and stuff because Zaldivar: Couple months, three months ago, four months ago, but the records are slow to update, so yeah. Gonzalez: We can easily check with Real Property Tax because it's a County agency. Zaldivar: Yes. Gonzalez: So, if you have documents regarding the Zaldivar: So, Mathew is a partner in the corporation that we bought that unit with. Gonzalez: Yeah, so that's not stated in the letter, and that's why. Zaldivar: I didn't even know he sent a letter, so he sent his own letter? Gonzalez: Yeah, he sent his own letter. Zaldivar: I didn't know that. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 48 OF 71 Gonzalez: We are trying to connect the dots, sometimes there's information that may be contradictory or not. Zaldivar: But BJ and them are the last owners, so it hasn't recorded yet. Gonzalez: So, couple months ago, you said it hasn't recorded yet, but you closed when? Zaldivar: Maybe 90 days? Gonzalez: If you can get the documents about that then that helps us. Zaldivar: You got it, I'll send you all those docs (documents), okay. Gonzalez: Do you know who Joyce Lee is? Zaldivar: Yes, I know who Joyce Lee is. Gonzalez: Who is that? Zaldivar: We rent a unit from her up the road. Gonzalez: Oh okay. A commercial unit? Zaldivar: No, residential. Did she protest, or did she, is she for us or against us? Gonzalez: No, she's for you, her Zaldivar: Cool. Gonzalez: but she said you guys rent from her. Zaldivar: Yeah. Gonzalez: And that's why I was like what do you guys rent from her? Zaldivar: Yes, we rent a number of units also in the area for our employees too, so we have another unit that we rent from someone else, an architect for Josh. Gonzalez: Yeah, so if you have employees within walking distance, right? Then they wouldn't have to drive and take up a parking stall, that's something the Commission would probably like to know. Zaldivar: Yes, it's within walking distance, it's within walking distance. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 49 OF 71 Gonzalez: But what Mr. Mantanez brought up, it's a real thing, like workers take up the parking stalls of the business or a place, and that's something that might not be factored in. Zaldivar: I got you. No, we only have two workers right now, and they're both within walking distance. I had another worker, and he drove a moped which didn't take up a real big space, but he's off -island now. Gonzalez: Okay, and then going back to the parking, so you say in your letter that you also have two parking stalls for Unit 230. Zaldivar: Yes. Gonzalez: So, if you do own Unit 230, then where are those two stalls located on the property? Zaldivar: One of them is right across from the other spaces on the other side in the garage, so you see the spaces that we own, the nine spaces, we own all the spaces right there, it's right next to it across in the parking under the garage, right there. Gonzalez: Underneath the building, behind the hedges, behind the fence, so when people park back there, those are the stalls that are typically set aside for the units. Zaldivar: It's numbered. Gonzalez: The property has hedges and fences to control areas of access, yes? It's a yes or no question, just yes or no? Zaldivar: Yes. Gonzalez: Thank you. Okay, because those are some of the concerns of the residents there, yeah. So, when you give me an updated drawing of where the stalls are located, can you also number or mark where those other two stalls are? That's all I was getting at. Zaldivar: Yeah, for sure. Gonzalez: Because there are ways to get from that underneath parking to your store, walked it. But, it's not like they can walk straight from the parking lot into that Da Poke Shack parking lot with your nine stalls and then get right into that hallway, they have to take a circuitous route. Zaldivar: Well see where my space is? Gonzalez: Yes. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 50 OF 71 Zaldivar: There's a walkway right to there, it's right there. There's one from the outside spaces and one right from the inside space, it's very easy to get there. And, I don't anticipate us using those spaces though in the garage, I don't anticipate us using them. Gonzalez: Yes, no I would have to agree with you on that because I don't think the general public will think that they can use those stalls because they're underneath the building. Zaldivar: I mean, like I said, if I have to let an employee use it if we need to, or if I want to use it, but there's no parking issue. I'm telling you, there's plenty of spaces and most people are walking around, they're not driving, the people that we're going to service. Like I said, 86%, every customer that we anticipate are all going to be vacation renters right there, 153 units plus another 40 or 50, they're all walking down, that's why we're doing it. Wilkinson: I have a question about where you plan to have music, you've got 600 square feet, looks like that your counters are permanent, so you got maybe 300 square feet for guests, where are you going to put music? Zaldivar: Music would be one guy sitting playing ukulele. Wilkinson: Inside somewhere? Zaldivar: Yes, inside. Probably the ocean side corner. Taniguchi: You know you mentioned you live right above, I found the person's letter, that unit number is 222, so is that directly above your place? Zaldivar: No, 222 is not. Taniguchi: Well, this person says they're directly above you that's why. Zaldivar: Oh but they're, where's 222? Mantanez: They're above but across the pool, they got a kiddie corner around them, mean you know. Zaldivar: That's a different above, it's above from the first floor. Taniguchi: So, this one doesn't haul much water. This unit is directly above Da Coco Shack. Zaldivar: No, we are. Taniguchi: Okay, thank you. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 51 OF 71 Zaldivar: And, that's why we bought it, we didn't want any issues if there were going to be any. Gonzalez: Alright, and that's why when I visited you and was able to walk the property with you and see everything laid out, it helped clarify you know, what you were talking about and what some of these people are writing about. Zaldivar: I couldn't even, when I read some of those letters, I'm like where do they get this stuff? No, they're going to shi shi on the bushes, and I'm like what? And then, couldn't understand. Gonzalez: Yes, so that was the other question I was going to ask about where the entertainment was going to be, because when I talked with you and actually on Exhibit 4 to the application report, it says outside seating, and then we have a note saying, will not have outside seating at this time. And you told me straight up, this is between Ali`i Drive and the front door of your Unit 102, and there's a grassy area in the middle of palm trees behind some hedges right in front of all the mechanical stuff, right? But, in order to use that space, you have to get approval from Zaldivar: Well and that's the thing, when we filled out the application, the President said yes, we'll put a fence here, we'll do that and it shouldn't be a problem. Something's changed. Gonzalez: Nothing has changed, this is my heads up, that's one of those things that falls under the clause where you agree to follow all of the rules and regulations of Kona Bali Kai Zaldivar: Oh I agree, I agree, but we're gonna Gonzalez: And those rules and regulations say, specifically call out. Zaldivar: Yes. Gonzalez: And that's why I'm telling you this regarding hallways, vestibules, and stairways, and other common areas. Sorry, and this is right in your bylaws, Td Restated Bylaws, page 34, Section 7(c), 7(f), and 7(o). You got to get approval for those common elements if you're gonna make changes, if you're gonna plant stuff in there. And so, when you get that approval, that's what we want to see, you know best case scenario if we approve you guys and if you're going to utilize that outside space, right? So, but right now there's not going to be any outside live entertainment? Zaldivar: No, I never planned on putting entertainment out there. Gonzalez: Perfect. Zaldivar: I never did that, I never planned that. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 52 OF 71 Gonzalez: Because right outside your door, if I walk out your door towards Ali`i Drive and I make a right, the lobby area is right there with a bunch of chairs and couches that's like I think another area of concern of congregation. So, you don't have any intention of having a live entertainer in that space either? Zaldivar: Never did. Gonzalez: Okay, thank you. That's the kind of clarification we need, okay. Zaldivar: Cool, in the future, if the Board wants to lease me those spaces and we can do things to it, that be fine but we've talked about lots of stuff, I mean Jeremy has great ideas too, we've had lots of conversations. So, in the future if we want to do some stuff, we'll do it, I guess we'll have to notify you guys if we want to make that an area, but right now within the confines of our commercial space is where we're going to do everything. Gonzalez: Within 102 though. Zaldivar: Yes. Gonzalez: That's good to clarify. Wilkinson: And, I can't take your coconut outside and sit out there and watch the ocean, right? Zaldivar: If it doesn't have alcohol in it, they can. Wilkinson: Right, right, if it's got alcohol, it's got to stay inside the establishment. Zaldivar: Yes, coconuts are good, but coconuts with rum are not good, yes. Taniguchi: So, do you live there though? Zaldivar: We live one block away from there, and we also have control of the unit above, yes. Taniguchi: Who lives there? Zaldivar: Whoever we let, my mom stays there, my friends stay there, whoever we have in there, yes. It's overflow for family usually, family and friends. Taniguchi: Terrific. Gonzalez: So, it's not Matthew? Zaldivar: Oh, he's family and friends. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 53 OF 71 Wilkinson: So, if your mom stays there, you gonna let your customers go use the bathroom? Zaldivar: She would, she wouldn't have a problem with it, but I don't think we're gonna have a bathroom issue either, they all have bathrooms. Everybody has their own bathrooms, it's not going to be a problem. Those are gross overstatements, they just want to block the license I think, I don't see these as real, real, real life reality issues, don't see it, I can't see it. I don't know. Wilkinson: I just envision, I live really close to there, and if you have entertainment and you want to sip on something, you're gonna sit there for some time. If you want more business, you'll have another, especially if you're walking distance away, those people will want to use the bathroom. Zaldivar: We'll let them use the bathroom. Wilkinson: Which sounds fine until you have guests staying in your space upstairs, unless you get some type of working agreement with Da Poke Shack, and it happens to be in those hours. Zaldivar: I can have an agreement today with Da Poke Shack, I can have it faxed over or emailed over. Wilkinson: I think your plan is fantastic, I just see there are nimbys, there are people that will do anything they can, so as much as you can go to a meeting and talk to these folks, and try to operate within the confines and open up the communication with those people. Zaldivar: I'm putting it on all my coconuts, I have tried and I've emailed and I've been turned down from any meetings or discussion. Mantanez: What we need to understand at this particular juncture and a couple of things that I would like to address as far as what you've said is that, it's not that the Board doesn't care, the Board has to operate as a collective whole, it is not just one person making that decision on behalf of the entire community. So when you reach out to one person, Mike, and he says sure that sounds great, he still has to talk to everybody else amongst the community. Secondly, when we're talking about that grassy area between you and Ali`i Drive, and the lobby, you did actually make a formal request to the Board for that space. Now, the Board did not talk amongst themselves only, they actually reached out to the ownership that shared that space with you that you were trying to ask about, so they didn't make that decision on their own. The owners came back and said listen, we don't like that idea, come up with something else. Zaldivar: One owner did, three out of the four there said Mantanez: No. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 54 OF 71 Zaldivar: I have three out of the four, one person has blocked that area. Mantanez: At any rate, you know the community at -large is what we have to think about, okay. This is a communal setting, we have two commercial units there amongst 154 residents that stay there. Their priority is our first priority, you are a priority as well. Zaldivar: My priority because I'm an owner of both, and I will make it better. Mantanez: Okay, but we're all concerned, and we just want those questions to be answered. Zaldivar: I'm here answering questions, reaching out. Mantanez: Thank you. Zaldivar: And I'm easy to get ahold of, I'm here. Okabe: Okay, any other questions, Commissioners? Wilkinson: You said there would be changes? Gonzalez: To the application report? Yes, so the application report would be updated, you guys all got the gist of what we're updating here, there's additional information that we need to update it with from Kona Bali Kai, and also from the applicant as well. And since I'm talking so much today, here's my take on this, Vinny told us he can operate right now without liquor sales because he's gotten his approvals. And, it might be a good thing as he has suggested to have the hearing furthered and continued, if a decision cannot be made today based on what we have, to April or May when both Vinny and someone from Kona Bali Kai can be present. It gives us a chance to see if Vinny, operating a coconut drink shack without alcohol, it might give us a good sampling if there's any issues or not. And that's like going to be the best evidence I think, and parking and noise and stuff. Zaldivar: I'm good with that. Gonzalez: Right, and that you're working with everybody about the house rules, so it might help us with that. Zaldivar: So, like a 60-day continuance? Gonzalez: Well, you said you couldn't be here in April. Zaldivar: Do you know the date in April? Gonzalez: Yes, April 3rd MINUTES — LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING — THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 — HILO PAGE 55 OF 71 Zaldivar: I'm in Miami from the 7t". April 3rd, 1 might be able to fly back for that, that's tight. Gonzalez: Well May 1st is back in Hilo. Zaldivar: But I can do May 1st in Hilo, I could do that. Taniguchi: But we want to do Kona, yes? Wilkinson: Which do you prefer, April or May? Zaldivar: I actually prefer May because it's so tight, I'm leaving on the 24t", then I have a cruise ship show in Miami. To fly all the way back here on the 3rd, then go all the way back over there, it's tough that's rough on travel, May 1 is good for me. Gonzalez: So, that's something to consider based on the applicants schedule. Zaldivar: It'll give me two months of operation, too. Gonzalez: Mr. Mantanez, would you be able to attend the meeting on May 1st?. Mantanez: Yes, and I will reach out to the Board and see if we can get a meeting before then. Zaldivar: I have an interview for the Board on the 10t", this Monday, they're interviewing me for the Board seat, and the Board just agreed to lease me extra storage space where we can put overflow right there, yes. Okabe: So, Assistant Director, your suggestion is to vote down the motion? Or because you would have to have a motion to not close hearing, to extend it for the next meeting? Gonzalez: So the motion would be to continue to May 1st, the Liquor Commission Meeting in Hilo, based on the input from the applicant and Kona Bali Kai. Okabe: Okay, so the Chair would like to entertain a motion to ask that a continuance to May 1st for this public hearing. So, Commissioners, can I please have a motion for that? Wilkinson: Commissioner Wilkinson makes a motion to continue public hearing to May 1st in Hilo. Greenwell: Commissioner Greenwell will second it. Commissioner Wilkinson moved to continue the public hearing to May 1, 2025, in Hilo; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Discussion? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 56 OF 71 There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Okabe: We'll have the public hearing on May 1st here in Hilo. Taniguchi: Please know we just got to do our due diligence. Zaldivar: I appreciate it, I'm glad it's happening, I hope they come, I hope everybody comes. Okabe: Well, I think it gives the Commission an opportunity for Assistant Director and the staff to get more information for us to make a more rational decision on May 1st with all the information provided, okay? Zaldivar: Yes, it's gonna get clarity for everyone. Hopefully, I'll be a Board Member, and I can communicate directly, and I won't have to request a meeting. Gonzalez: But Vinny, the Commission is scheduled to meet in Kona in April, and I think that's why Commissioner Greenwell was throwing it out there, you're not going to be here, is Ashley going to be here? Zaldivar: No, she goes everywhere with me. Gonzalez: Because what might happen is the Commission may actually do a site visit to physically go look at the place because they're going to be in Kona. I'm not saying they will, but you're okay if you're not there for that? Zaldivar: Yeah, I'm okay, I can have coconuts ready. Gonzalez: No, please don't. If the Commission does a site visit on that April day, it's a Thursday, we're going to let you know. Zaldivar: It's okay if I'm not here, Josh will be here. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 57 OF 71 Gonzalez: Somebody will be there that might be able to show us, and they might be able to see everything that's going on and walk the property, to get a better idea of what we're all talking about. Zaldivar: Yes. Greenwell: We appreciate your patience gentlemen both of you, thank you very much. Zaldivar: I appreciate you guys, thank you. VII. Unfinished Business (11:55 AM) Okabe: There is no Unfinished Business at this time. RECESSED AT 11:55 A.M. RECONVENED AT 12:02 P.M. VIII. New Business (12:02 PM) 1. Change in Members/Officers/Directors Submitted for Approval a. Hawaii Nautical Inc., dba Spirit of Aloha, dba Spirit of Aloha Catamaran 1334888, approval of Change in Officers and (12:02 PM) Application for Transfer of Stock as follows: • Removal of Douglas Ewalt, President, and Regina Mangieri, Vice President; • Appointment of Mark Towill, as President, and Tahnee Towill, as Vice President; • 100% Stock Transfer to Mark Towill (50%) and Tahnee Towill (50%); • Personal History and Affidavits for Mark Towill, President, and Tahnee Towill, Vice President; by forms received January 27, 2025; of its Tour or Cruise Vessel liquor licenses, Category A, moored at the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, Slip #39, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; and at `Anaeho`omalu Bay, Waikoloa, Hawaii. Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 58 OF 71 Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve. Taniguchi: Second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Change in Officers and Application for Transfer of Stock as follows: Removal of Douglas Ewalt, President, and Regina Mangieri, Vice President; Appointment of Mark Towill, as President, and Tahnee Towill, as Vice President; 100% Stock Transfer to Mark Towill (50%) and Tahnee Towill (50%); Personal History and Affidavits for Mark Towill, President, and Tahnee Towill, Vice President; by form received January 27, 2025; of its Tour or Cruise Vessel liquor license, Category A, moored at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, Slip #39, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii'; and at `Anaeho`omalu Bay, Waikoloa, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. b. Crossroads Fireart LLC, dba Fireart Cuisine, approval of Change (12:03 PM) in Members and Transfer of Membership Interest as follows: • Removal of Perizat Aziz, Member; • Appointment of Peng Lei, as Member; • 40% Transfer of Membership Interest to Peng Lei, Member; • Personal History and Affidavit for Peng Lei, Member; MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 59 OF 71 effective February 2, 2025, by forms received February 6, 2025; of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category A, located at the Crossroads Shopping Center, 75-1027 Henry Street, #104, Kailua- Kona, Hawaii. Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve? Taniguchi: Move to approve. Espejo: Second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve the Change in Members and Transfer of Membership Interest as follows: Removal of Perizat Aziz, Member; Appointment of Peng Lei, as Member; 40% Transfer of Membership Interest to Peng Lei, Member; Personal History and Affidavit for Peng Lei, Member; effective February 2, 2025, by form received February 6, 2025; of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category A located at the Crossroads Shopping Center, 75-1027 Henry Street, #104, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Espejo. Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, this motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 60 OF 71 C. Volume Services, Inc., dba Centerplate, dba Centerplate - Aloha, dba Centerplate - Hawaiian, dba Sodexo Live! - Hilo, (12:03 PM) approval of Change in Primary Decision -Maker as follows: • Removal of Hadi Manovar, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, and Primary Decision -Maker; • Appointment of Joan McGlockton, as Primary Decision -Maker; effective November 1, 2024) by forms received February 13, 2025; of its Dispenser General and Restaurant General liquor licenses, Category A, for all airport locations. Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve. Taniguchi: Second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Change in Primary Decision -Maker as follows: Removal of Hadi Manovar, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, and Primary Decision -Maker; Appointment of Joan McGlockton, as Primary Decision -Maker; effective November 1, 2024, by forms received February 13, 2025; of its Dispenser General and Restaurant General liquor licenses, Category A, for all airport locations; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. Okabe: Any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 61 OF 71 d. Kukio Golf and Beach Club, Inc., dba Kukio Golf and Beach Club, Inc., dba Kukio Golf and Beach Club, Inc., (Retail), (12:04 PM) approval of Change in Officers/Directors as follows: • Removal of Jamie Weinstein, President and Director, and Karim Temsamani, Director; • Election of James Rubnitz, as President and Director, and Robert House, as Director; • Change in Title of Katrina Lake, from Director, to Vice President and Director; Neil Hudspith, from Director, to Vice President and Director; and Robert Reif, from Vice President and Director, to Director; • Personal History and Affidavit for Robert House, Director; effective January 1, 2025) by form received February 10, 2025, of its Retail General and Club liquor licenses, Category B2, located at 72-250 Kukio Nui Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Taniguchi: Move to approve. Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve the Change in Officers / Directors as follows: Removal of Jamie Weinstein, President and Director, and Karim Temsamani, Director; Election of James Rubnitz, as President and Director, and Robert House, as Director; Change in Title of Katrina Lake, from Director, to Vice President and Director; Neil Hudspith, from Director, to Vice President and Director; and Robert Reif, from Vice President and Director, to Director; Personal History and Affidavit for Robert House, Director; effective January 1, 2025, by form received February 10, 2025, of its Retail General and Club liquor licenses, Category B2, located at 72-250 Kukio Nui Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 62 OF 71 Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. e. MNS, Ltd., dba ABC Store #62, dba ABC Store #63, dba ABC Store #71, dba ABC Store #75, dba Island Gourmet Markets, (12:04 PM) dba Aloha Wine Bar, approval of Change in Officers/Directors, with the removal of Miles Ohye, Vice President and Director, effective January 21, 2025, by form received February 19, 2025; of its Retail General and Dispenser General liquor licenses, for all Hawaii i Island store locations. Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve? Greenwell: Greenwell, make the motion to approve. Okabe: Is there a second? Espejo: Second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Change in Officers / Directors, with the removal of Miles Ohye, Vice President and Director, effective January 21, 20259 by form received February 19, 2025; of its Retail General and Dispenser General liquor licenses, for all Hawaili Island store locations; Seconded by Commissioner Espejo. Okabe: Okay, moved and seconded, is there a discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 63 OF 71 There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. f. Target Corporation, dba Target Store T2412, dba Target Store T2682, approval of Change in Officers as Primary Decision -Makers as follows: (12:05 PM) • Appointment of Jamie Galioto, Assistant Secretary, as Primary Decision -Maker, effective February 1, 2025) by form received February 19, 2025; • Personal History and Affidavit for Jamie Galioto, Assistant Secretary and Primary Decision -Maker; of its Retail General liquor licenses, located at 74-5455 Makala Boulevard, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and 391 East Maka`ala Street, Hilo, Hawaii. Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve? Taniguchi: Move to approve. Espejo: Second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve the Change in Officers as Primary Decision -Makers as follows: Appointment of Jamie Galioto, Assistant Secretary, as Primary Decision -Maker, effective February 1, 2025, by form received February 19, 2025; Personal History and Affidavit for Jamie Galioto, Assistant Secretary and Primary Decision -Maker; of its Retail General liquor licenses, located at 74-5455 Makala Boulevard, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and 391 East Maka`ala Street, Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Espejo. Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 64 OF 71 There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. ADDENDUM g. Foodland Super Market, Limited, dba Foodland (Keaau), dba Foodland Farms, dba Foodland Super Market — Waimea, dba (12:06 PM) Sack `N Save (Kinoole), dba Sack `N Save (Kona), dba Sack `N Save (Puainako), approval of Change in Officers, with the appointment of Tricia Beaman, as Vice President, effective January 31, 2025) by form received February 28, 2025; and the Personal History and Affidavit for Tricia Beaman, Vice President; of its Retail General liquor licenses, for all Hawaii Island store locations. Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve? Wilkinson: Wilkinson, so moved. Okabe: Can I have a second? Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Wilkinson moved to approve the Change in Officers, with the appointment of Tricia Beaman, as Vice President, effective January 319 2025, by form received February 28, 2025; and the Personal History and Affidavit for Tricia Beaman, Vice President; of its Retail General liquor license, for all Hawaii Island store locations; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Moved and seconded, discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 65 OF 71 There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. 2. Permits Issued for Ratification (12:07 PM) a. Outrigger Kona Resort LLC, dba Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, ratification of Application for Alteration Permit, for the Voyager 47 Club Lounge, approved by Director Gerald Takase on February 24, 2025, of its Hotel liquor license, located at 78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. b. Naito Store LLC, dba Naito Store, ratification of Application for Alteration Permit, to add door to access outside storage, approved by Director Gerald Takase on February 18, 2025, of its Retail General liquor license, located at 54-3695 Akoni Pule Highway, Kapa`au, Hawaii. C. Christopher Camero Memorial VFW Post 12122, dba VFW Post 12122, ratification of Application for Game Permits, for an event on February 20, 2025; and events from February 1 - 28, 2025; approved by Director Gerald Takase on February 3, 2025; of its Special General liquor license, located at 74-5543 Kaiwi Street, Suite 3-A185a and 3-A185b, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. ALREADY TAKEN OUT OF ORDER d. Cafe it Mondo, LLC, dba Cafe it Mondo, ratification of request to transfer liquor inventory to Akatsuki International Corporation, dba Caf6 it Mondo, approved by Director Gerald Takase on February 14, 2025, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 45-3580 Mamane Street, Honoka`a, Hawaii. Okabe: Can I have a motion to ratify? Espejo: Motion to ratify. Greenwell: Greenwell, second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 66 OF 71 Commissioner Espejo moved to ratify Permits Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 2(a) through 2(c), as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Moved and seconded, is there any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. 3. Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification (12:08 PM) a. DJL Holualoa LLC, dba Holualoa Farm Kitchen, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on February 14, 2025, approved by Director Gerald Takase on February 4, 2025, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 76-5900 Old Government Road, Holualoa, Hawaii. b. KBXtreme, LLC, dba KBXtreme, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on March 28 & 29, 2025, approved by Director Gerald Takase on February 10, 2025, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 75-5591 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. C. Big Hitter Enterprises, LLC, dba Willie's Hot Chicken, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on March 9, 2025, approved by Director Gerald Takase on February 18, 2025, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 75-5599 Pawai Place, Bays 1 & 2, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 67 OF 71 Okabe: Can I have a motion to ratify? Wilkinson: Wilkinson, so moved. Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Wilkinson moved to ratify Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 3(a) through 3(c), as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Moved and seconded, is there any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. 4. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification (12:08 PM) a. License No. SP-24-118, Kona Elks Club, dba Kona Elks Club, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on January 31, 2025, held at75-252 Nani Kailua Drive #11, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. b. License No. SP-24-119, Waimea Country School, dba Waimea Country School, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on February 22, 2025, held at 65-1237 Kawaihae Road, Kamuela, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 68 OF 71 C. License No. SP-24-120, Volcano Art Center, dba Volcano Art Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on February 15, 2025, held at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano, Hawaii. d. License No. SP-24-121, Fraternal Order of Eagles, dba Fraternal Order of Eagles, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on February 7-8, 15, 21-22, 28, & 31, 2025) held at 16-111 `Opukaha`ia Street, Kea`au, Hawaii. e. License No. SP-24-122, Hilo Community Players, dba Hilo Community Players, for a Special General liquor license, for events on February 8, 9, 14, & 16, 2025, held at Keawe Theater, 280 Keawe Street, Hilo, H awa i `i . f. License No. SP-24-123, Aloha Performing Arts Company, dba Aloha Theatre, for a Special General liquor license, for events on February 14-16, 21-23, 28; March 1-2, 2025, held at 79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, Hawaii. g. License No. SP-24-124, Zonta Club of Hilo Foundation, dba Zonta Club of Hilo Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on March 8, 2025, held at 164 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii. h. License No. SP-24-125, Hilo Women's Club, dba Hilo Women's Club, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on March 15, 2025, held at 7 Lele Street, Hilo, Hawaii. i. License No. SP-24-126, Zonta Club of Hilo Foundation, dba Zonta Club of Hilo Foundation, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on March 6, 2025, held at Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. j. License No. SP-24-127, Zonta Club of Hilo Foundation, dba Zonta Club of Hilo Foundation, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on March 7, 2025, held at the Sangha Hall, 424 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii. k. License No. SP-24-128, The Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba The Kahilu Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on March 2, 8, 14, 15, 16, 21, & 23, 2025, held at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 69 OF 71 I. License No. SP-24-129, Ke Kai Ala Foundation, dba Ke Kai Ala Foundation, for a Special Beer liquor license, for an event on March 8, 2025, held at the King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Resort, Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. M. License No. SP-24-130, Ke Kai Ala Foundation, dba Ke Kai Ala Foundation, for a Special Beer liquor license, for an event on March 8, 2025, held at BMW of Hawaii, 74-5533 Loloku Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. n. License No. SP-24-131, Kona Elks Club, dba Kona Elks Club, for a Special General liquor license, for events from March 1-31, 2025, held at 75-170 Hualalai Road, Suite E-100, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Taniguchi: Move to ratify. Espejo: Second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to ratify Special Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 4(a) through 4(n), License Nos. SP-24-118 through SP-24-131, as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Espejo. Okabe: Moved and seconded, is there any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 70 OF 71 IX. Announcements (12:09 PM) • • Ir• • • • April 3, 2025, 10:00 A.M., Kona Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, . . . Place, • • Kuakini Highway, Suite 107, r r • , . May 1, 2025, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawai'i. Okabe: Before we adjourn, I'd like to present this certificate of appreciation to our esteemed Commissioner who is leaving us today, to Doug Espejo, distinguished service as a member of the Liquor Commission upon completion of your term of service on December 31, 2024, awarded this 31st day of December 2024, by Mayor Kimo Alameda. You are gonna surely be missed with your expertise and being the connoisseur of alcohol. This is from the distinguished Mayor to give you this honor. • . • Okabe:" our - Commissioner, Gene -Nakashima, from Welcome Gene. mwa„ 0 W'N�,p wygN mld; miW'U mew.. � vnrr , NrW'���o�rom.,uw wuu.n..vumm!"'uuw"!ww"a� Director The March 6, 2025, minutes were approved as circulated via email on April 1, 202 by - LiquorI MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THUrA AR 2025,