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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-03 Liquor Commission Minutes HiloCOUNTY OF HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES — JULY 39 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 10:02 A.M., in the Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Au pu n i Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii. The following were present and constituted a quorum: Commissioners: Wil Okabe, Chair David Greenwell, Vice Chair Gene Nakashima, Commissioner Laurisa Nishimoto, Commissioner Arthur Taniguchi, Commissioner Melvin Ventura, Commissioner Jennifer Yadao, Commissioner Absent and Excused: Brandon Gonzalez, Administrative Officer Others Present: Gerald Takase, Director Keyra Wong, Deputy Corporation Counsel Stacie Waltjen, Licensing Officer Zoeann Bertelmann, Licensing Technician Hau`oli Sayles, Commission Secretary Okabe: Please silence your phone and devices, this meeting is being recorded, speak loud and clear and one at a time so that the recording is understandable. We will now call roll, please say present when your name is called. Sayles: Vice Chair Greenwell. Greenwell: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Nakashima. Nakashima: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Nishimoto. Nishimoto: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Taniguchi. Taniguchi: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Ventura. Ventura: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Yadao. Yadao: Present. Sayles: Chair Okabe. Okabe: Present. Sayles: Absent and excused today is Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez. Others present are Director Gerald Takase, Deputy Corporation Counsel Keyra Wong, Licensing Officer Stacie Waltjen, Licensing Technician Zoe Bertelmann, and myself, Commission Secretary Hau`oli Sayles. II. Approval of Minutes —June 5, 2025 (10:03 AM) Okabe: The June 5, 2025, meeting minutes was circulated via email on June 26, 2025. Commissioners, can I please have a motion to approve the minutes as circulated? Greenwell: I'll make the motion to approve the minutes as circulated. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the June 5, 2025, Liquor Commission meeting minutes as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: 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." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 2 OF 39 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. III. Approval of Addendum and/or Supplemental Agenda (10:03 AM) Okabe: We have an addendum to the agenda. Pursuant of 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 Nos. 3(d) AND 3(e): VIII. New Business 3. Permits Issued for Ratification d. MF Kona, LLC, dba Foster's Kitchen, ratification of Application for Outside Storage Permit, located at 76-6201 Walua Road, Kailua- Kona, Hawaii, of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2, located at the Coconut Grove Marketplace, 75-5801 Ali`i Drive, Suite DU-1, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. e. Lau Ola, LLC, dba Big Island Grown Dispensaries, ratification of Application for Alcohol Purchase Permit, for 220 gallons of Ethanol 200 proof for industrial use from Future Hydrocarbons in San Pedro, California, approved by Director Gerald Takase on July 2, 2025, stored at 28-595 Kaupakuea Homestead Road, Pepe`ekeo, Hawaii. Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve the addendum? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve the addendum. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the addendum; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 3 OF 39 Okabe: It's been moved and seconded, any discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none. This would be a roll call vote by the Secretary. Sayles: Vice Chair Greenwell. Greenwell: Aye. Sayles: Commissioner Nakashima. Nakashima: Aye. Sayles: Commissioner Nishimoto. Nishimoto: Aye. Sayles: Commissioner Taniguchi. Taniguchi: Aye. Sayles: Commissioner Ventura. Ventura: Aye. Sayles: Commissioner Yadao. Yadao: Aye. Sayles: Chair Okabe. Okabe: Aye. Sayles: Mister Chair, you have seven (7) 'Ayes". Okabe: Okay, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. IV. Public Statements on Agenda Items (10:05 AM) Okabe: Are there any statements from members of the public at this time? There were no statements from members of the public. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 4 OF 39 V. Public Hearings (10:06 AM) NEXT TWO ITEMS WERE TAKEN AT ONCE 1. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:06 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: AND 2. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-32 One Spot Hawaii LLC One Spot (Retail) 28-2903 Hawaii Belt Road, Pepe`ekeo, Hawaii 2-8-007:068 Original Retail General liquor license 24-33 One Spot Hawaii LLC One Spot (Dispenser) 28-2903 Hawaii Belt Road, Pepe`ekeo, Hawaii 2-8-007:068 Original Dispenser General liquor license, Category B 1 Representing applicants: John Chinen, Jr., and Julia Chinen, Co -owners. Okabe: Can you state your name and the relationship to the business? Chinen (John): John Chinen, Jr., Owner. Chinen (Julia): Julia Chinen, Owner. Okabe: Okay, if you can describe your business. Chinen (Julia): We're a new commercial development, where we'll be offering True Value Hardware, groceries, and a commercial kitchen with grab -and -go foods. We also have an office space that we'll be leasing out to the Hawaii County Police, we're looking at a 5-year lease with four options to extend, so hopefully 25 years total. We have Hawaii Gas who we also have a contract with to bring a 2,000-gallon dispenser tank for the community to fill their personal propane tanks. We also have Big Island Ice Company, who's bringing their largest merchandiser onsite next to the gas dispenser to hopefully offer 7 lbs. and 20 lbs. bags of ice for the local fishermen and farmers there. What else are we doing? Chinen (John): 37 parking stalls, we contacted the Kamehameha Schools, they're looking at using our spot as changing the recent location they have to drop off for the keiki, for the mornings, the afternoons, and the sports bus because we have 24 cameras, the police presence, and bathrooms. The location they've been using right MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 5 OF 39 now, the credit union, sometimes they're closed by the time the children are dropped off and the parents come late. So, we contacted them and they came and looked a couple days ago. They brought their transporation manager along with Roberts Hawaii, who has a contract with them, and that's looking positive too. So, we're just offering whatever we can to the community. Chinen (Julia): And then we have a breezeway area that we will extend the asphalt to that we brought a conduit for water and electric so that we can host fundraisers for sports events or open markets, craft fairs, so on and so forth, so we're looking forward to that area. So overall I think with all of the myriad of things, we just wanted to create somewhat of a hub for Pepe`ekeo and the outlying communities because out in Hamakua there really isn't too much commercial activity. So, with a little over an acre, we kind of squeezed in as much as we could, and got the highest best use for that commercial lot. We felt like it was almost the last chance for this type of commercial activity to take place. So, it sounds like a lot of things but it's all working out really nicely, and we're excited to soft -open on September 16t", with a grand opening on September 27t". We've hired 19 employees so far, and we're happy to say that I would say about 90% of them come from the Hamakua coast, if not directly in the Pepe`ekeo area. And, what's exciting is that for the first time these local residents can live and work in the same community, and we feel like with that they'll take ownership of the location of the store, and you know we'll kind of bring back the old school kind of general store idea where you see familiar faces, but obviously with a modern concept with the building, the technology, and our POS (point -of -sale) system is very robust. We'll be able to handle inventory and fulfillment which is a big issue on the Big Island, and we're working with our partners, with Freight Forwarders in California to bring in product for emergencies even, weather emergencies, or just everyday needs. So, yeah we're busy but we're excited and looking forward to the opening. Okabe: Did you receive the application reports? Chinen (Julia): Yes. Okabe: Are there any changes to the reports? Chinen (Julia): No. Okabe: Director, are there any reports of protests? Takase: Mister Chairman, the applicants have mailed 7 out of 7 notices within 100 feet, 42 out of 42 notices within 500 feet. There were 42 properties entitled to protest, we did receive one protest to the application. Okabe: Any public testimony in regards to these applications? There was no public testimony. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 6 OF 39 Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, do you have any discussion or questions? Commissioner Greenwell. Greenwell: Have you had any more conversations with that Janice Yamauchi? Chinen (Julia): Actually, I did. I actually had a face-to-face conversation with her, and I would say that we came to a resolution, I think that her letter really described a concept that we weren't going in that direction. So, I just wanted to kind of clarify that it wasn't going to be like a bar atmosphere where we'll be dispensing, we're looking at more of a farm -to -table kind of a pre -fixed wine pairing, high -end dining concept. And, she was comfortable with that, she also was pleased to hear that we have the police presence that it's not just while they're there, but it's the unknown when the policeman is driving around the corner, because it will be their storefront where they have access 24 hours a day. She was excited to hear about the 24 cameras that we have inside the actual building and on the entire perimeter looking out. She had other topics that she discussed with me that were outside of the actual license, but I let her speak. We had a 90-minute face-to-face talk and it just you know, I felt like it was just that personal connection that I had with her and that I offered her, that at anytime if she had any concerns she knew where to find me, up the street. So, we had that kind of ending and just pleasantries of a good night, and then John, he drove by kind of recently and had a little chat with her. Chinen (John): Yeah, I tried to talk with her but she was talking to her dog at the time, so I just kind of let her go and she was laughing, and I was kind of like, okay and I just drove off, but I tried. Chinen (Julia): But yeah, I think what it is, is mainly just always being open to the community, we also have that lifeline to the community through the Pepe`ekeo Development Association, we attend all their meetings, and so we just want to be available to them if we need to clarify if they have any concerns. Chinen (John): Regardless, we just want to make sure we address all concerns regardless of who the person is or what their views are, we just want to make sure that we're upfront with them, and we address their concerns, yes. Greenwell: Thank you. Okabe: Commissioners, any other questions? There was no further discussion by Commissioners. Taniguchi: Move to close public hearing. Okabe: Okay, the motion is to close public hearing, any second? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 7 OF 39 Commissioner Taniguchi moved to close the public hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: Moved and seconded, 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. Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve or deny Application Nos. 24-32 AND 24-33, pending final inspections? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, move to approve Application Nos. 24-32 AND 24-33, pending final inspections. Taniguchi: Second. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application Nos. 24-32 AND 24-33, One Spot Hawaii LLC, dba One Spot (Retail), dba One Spot (Dispenser), for an Original Retail General AND Dispenser General, Category B1, liquor licenses located at 28-2903 Hawaii Belt Road, Pepe`ekeo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-8-007:068, pending final inspections; 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 please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 8 OF 39 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. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:12 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TM K: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-34 Reel Aloha Poke and Fish Co. LLC Reel Aloha Poke and Fish Co. 81-6641 Hawaii Belt Road, #5, Kealakekua, Hawaii 8-1-012:002 Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B 1 Representing applicant: Mana`o Alu, and Weston Uemura, Co -owners Okabe: Can you please state your name and the relationship to the business? Uemura: I'm Weston Uemura, and I'm Co-owner of the Reel Aloha Poke and Fish Co. Alu: Mana`o Alu, Owner of Reel Aloha Poke and Fish Co. Okabe: Can you please describe your business? Alu: We serve poke bowls, fresh fish, and we do a bunch of vegetable sides, it's kind of more of a cold kitchen side, but we're working on getting to the more of the cooking options of it, and hoping to get, you know a little bit of some beers and stuff because poke goes great with beers. Okabe: Did you receive the application report? Alu: Yes. Okabe: Okay, are there any changes to the report? Alu: No. Okabe: Director, are there any reports of protests? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 9 OF 39 Takase: Mister Chairman, the applicant mailed 5 out of 5 notices within 100 feet, 57 out of 63 notices within 500 feet. There were 62 properties entitled to protest, we received no protests to this application. Okabe: Any public testimony in regards to this application? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, do you have any questions or discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, can I have a motion to close the public hearing? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to close the public hearing. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to close the public hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: Moved and seconded, 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. Okabe: I need a motion to approve or deny Application No. 24-34, pending final inspection? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 10 OF 39 Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve Application No. 24-34, pending final inspection. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No. 24-34, Reel Aloha Poke and Fish Co. LLC, dba Reel Aloha Poke and Fish Co., for an Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 81-6641 Hawaii Belt Road, #5, Kealakekua, Hawaii, TMK: 8-1-012:002, pending final inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. 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, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. 4. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:16 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-36 Tommy Bahama R&R Holdings, Inc. Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Suite A-1, Waikoloa, Hawaii 6-9-008:017 Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B 1 Representing applicant: Robert Ichikawa, Esq., Authorized Agent, and John Yuen, General Manager Okabe: Can you please state your name and the relationship to the business? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 11 OF 39 Ichikawa: Good morning, Mr. Chair, Commissioners, Robert Ichikawa representing Tommy Bahama R&R Holdings, Inc., doing business as Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar. To my right is John Yuen. Yuen: John Yuen, General Manager for Tommy Bahamas. Okabe: Okay, can you describe your business? Yuen: So, it's a newer concept for us over at the Queens' Shops, it's a marlin bar which is a smaller type restaurant, it will be half retail, half restaurant, serving drinks and food for that area. I think that area is in need of more F&B (food and beverage) over there. Okabe: Did you receive the application report? Ichikawa: We did, no changes to the report, and we received no protests. Okabe: Okay, is that true, Director? Takase: We didn't either, they sent 5 out of 5 notices within 100 feet, 135 out of 135 within 500 feet, and 1 to a condominium or cooperative apartment manager. There were 135 properties entitled to protest, and as Mr. Ichikawa said, there were no protests to the application. Okabe: Are there any public testimony from the public? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Any questions from Commissioners or discussion? Takase: John, you said it was a different concept, can you explain? Yuen: Well, this originally was what our founder's intended, was more retail with a restaurant attached to where it's more fluid. You know our location over at The Shops at Mauna Lani, the restaurant is separate from the retail, the restaurant is upstairs, the retail is downstairs, so this concept would just kind of flow a little bit more. Before when we started, it was more a fast -casual, where you just kind of go up to the counter, you order and then you sit down. But I think our guests and clientele are looking for something more elevated, I mean not quite what we're doing, but more of a day-to-day, if you go to the beach and want to come in, sit down, you know listen to music and you know, one person will eat, one person will do shopping, stuff like that. So, it's kind of a more fast -casual, as casual as we can do it. Takase: Okay. Ventura: I have a question, Mister Chair. So, the retail store in the King Shops, that's going to be relocated? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 12 OF 39 Yuen: It's going to relocate over to the marlin bar, yes. Nishimoto: I have a question as far as when is the anticipated opening? Yuen: We were hoping the end of September, but I just found out maybe more early October. The building was pretty much an empty shell, we had to go in and pour concrete floors and everything. So, I'm going to head over this week because our contractor said that there's a lot of progress this week, to come over and take a look at it, so we're super excited, so. Nishimoto: That's nice to hear. Okabe: Any other questions? There was no further discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, can I have a motion to close public hearing? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to close the public hearing. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to close the public hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: Moved and seconded, 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, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 13 OF 39 Okabe: I need a motion to approve or deny Application No. 24-36, pending final inspection? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve Application No. 24-36, pending final inspection. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No. 24-36, Tommy Bahama R&R Holdings, Inc., dba Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, for an Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Suite A-1, Waikoloa, Hawaii, TMK: 6-9-008:017, pending final inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: Moved and seconded, 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. CHANGED THE ORDER OF BUSINESS: NEXT ITEM WAS TAKEN OUT OF ORDER MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 14 OF 39 VIII. New Business (10:21 AM) 4. Alteration Permits Issued for Ratification (10:21 AM) b. Volume Services, Inc., dba Sodexo Live! - Hilo, ratification of Application for Alteration Permit, for renovations to Sodexo Live! - Hilo, (10:21 AM) approved by Director Gerald Takase on June 19, 2025, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category A, located at the Hilo International Airport, 2450 Kekuanaoa Street, Bldg. 307, Room 145B, Hilo, Hawaii. Representing licensee: Robert Ichikawa, Esq., Authorized Agent. Okabe: Can you please state you name and relationship to the business? Ichikawa: Yes, Robert Ichikawa representing Sodexo Live! — Hilo. Okabe: Okay, and can you describe the business? Ichikawa: It's a restaurant bar located at Hilo Airport, and the plan is to renovate it, just to have it a little more larger and also updated. Okabe: Can you explain the application for alteration permit? Ichikawa: Yes, so in order to expand the area and newly build certain areas, we've applied for a permit for the expansion, the modification to it. Takase: So, Sodexo runs both but this is for the concession that's inside the secured area, kind of by the Hawaiian Airlines lounge. So, they're gonna expand that area, so right now they're gonna have a temporary room while they work on the other area. And then, they're gonna expand probably about adding maybe another third to half, kind of back towards the door, so it will be larger in size. Ichikawa: And they've already received consent from the Department of Transportation of the State for the increase. Takase: Yes, so far of what we've seen, they've been actually getting pretty busy lately. Ichikawa: I think their plan is to actually provide more services to you know, those who are in the terminal. Okabe: Any other discussion, Commissioners? Takase: What are they going to do with the outside? Are they going to keep the outside? Ichikawa: As far as I know, yes. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 15 OF 39 Okabe: So, the outside is the same company by the check -in? Ichikawa: Yes. Okabe: Nobody goes in there, it's always empty. Taniguchi: No, it's closed the bar side. Takase: The bar is closed but the restaurant is open. I see I guess the employees and stuff eat in there. Okabe: Any other questions? There was no further discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, can I have a motion to ratify Application for Alteration Permit? Taniguchi: Move to ratify. Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to ratify the Application for Alteration Permit, for renovations to Sodexo Live! - Hilo, approved by Director Gerald Takase on June 19, 2025, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category A, located at the Hilo International Airport, 2450 Kekuanaoa Street, Bldg. 307, Room 145B, Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Okay, 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. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 16 OF 39 The motion was carried unanimously. RETURNED TO THE ORDER OF BUSINESS V. Public Hearings (10:24 AM) 5. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10: 24 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TM K: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 22-27 South Kona Stills LLC South Kona Stills LLC 82-6061 Captain Cook Village Road, Captain Cook, Hawaii 8-2-003:024 Change of location to further makai down the parcel, of its Small Craft Producer Pub liquor license, Category A Representing applicant: Cassidy Tepper, Co-owner. Okabe: Can you state your name and relationship to the business? Tepper: Cassidy Tepper, I own a third of South Kona Stills, and here representing the team, and we're hoping to switch locations down the parcel on our TMK (tax map key), so that's the objective. Okabe: Okay, can you please describe the business? Tepper: So, the business is going to produce vodka and gin eventually down the line, but right now we're just seeking a manufacturing license, and try to get our building built and licensed and permitted. Okabe: Okay, you receive the application report? Tepper: Yes, I have. Okabe: Okay, any changes to the report? Tepper: No changes to the report. Okabe: Director, are there any protests to this application? Takase: Mister Chairman, the applicant mailed out 1 out of 1 notice within 100 feet, 12 out of 13 within 500 feet. There were 10 properties entitled to protest, we received no protests to this application. Okabe: Any public testimony? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 17 OF 39 There was no public testimony. Okabe: Is there any discussion or questions from the Commissioners? Nakashima: Mr. Tepper? Tepper: Yes. Nakashima: You have here you're being 100% stock shareholder, you just said you were a third. Tepper: No, that's not correct, so I own a third, and then a third is owned by Winston Gamble, and then a third is owned by Bryan Tepper. So, I was here two months ago, and same thing, nothing has changed since then. Nakashima: Okay, well this report is not accurate then on your application on the Personal History and Affidavit. Waltjen: Are you looking at his Personal History and Affidavit? Nakashima: Yes. Waltjen: I think he's talking about Kona Winds Coffee Company LLC. Nakashima: Okay. Tepper: Oh I see, okay so that entity I own 100%, that's correct, yes sir. Sorry, apologies for the confusion there. Takase: The licensee is South Kona Stills, you're a third owner of that. Tepper: Correct, yes sir. Okabe: Commissioner Greenwell? Greenwell: Was it your father that told us about some agricultural derivative that they were going to try and produce, is that still in the works? Tepper: It is still in the works, yes. Our hope is, is that we'll be able to use the sprays for coffee leaf rust, and then for vehicles that we use, and it's still in the works, yes. Greenwell: Well, that's still going to be a product? Tepper: A product, absolutely yes, and it's a bi-product of the distillation process, so we feel that that's going to definitely help a lot of the farms in the community. Well, I'm actually quite excited about that because we are a coffee farm. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 18 OF 39 Greenwell: It'll be interesting to see where that goes. Tepper: I hope so, absolutely. Greenwell: Thank you. Takase: Cassidy, are you still awaiting TTB (The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) approvals? Tepper: We have not submitted that application yet, that is in the works. Takase: But for the manufacturing, you have that approval already? Tepper: That's correct, yes. The objective is to make sure that the building can be built, we've been given approval already by the Building Division. My hope is to have the building constructed by probably mid -September or early October as well. But we'll have the building here on the island in the next two weeks from Pasha, and it's just a matter of getting a concrete foundation and couple more stamps for electrical and plumbing, and the building should be permitted and ready to go hopefully by November - December. So, we're moving pretty quickly. Takase: Okay, so are you producing anything up at the old mill? Tepper: We are not producing anything at this time, no. Okabe: Any other questions, Commissioners? There was no further discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, can I have a motion to close the public hearing? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to close public hearing. Taniguchi: Second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to close the public hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. Okabe: Moved and seconded, 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 those opposed "Nay." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 19 OF 39 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: Can I have a motion to approve or deny Application No. 22-27, pending final inspection? Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, move to approve Application No. 22-27, pending final inspection. Okabe: Can I have a second? Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application No. 22-27, South Kona Stills LLC, dba South Kona Stills LLC, for a Change of location to further makai down the parcel, of its Original Small Craft Producer Pub liquor license, Category A, located at 82-6061 Captain Cook Village Road, Captain Cook, Hawaii, TMK: 8-2-003:024, pending final inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. 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. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 20 OF 39 The motion was carried unanimously. VI. Preliminary Hearings (10:31 AM) 1. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:31 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-41 Hamakua Distillery LLC Hamakua Distillery 28-3254 Beach Road, Pepe`ekeo, Hawaii 2-8-008:044 Original Manufacturer liquor license Representing applicant: Charmaine Banther, Owner, and Keith Steele, Master Distiller. Okabe: Can you please state your name and the relationship to the business? Banther: Aloha, I'm Charmaine Banther, I am the owner of Hamakua Distillery LLC, and this is Keith Steele, he will be the Master Distiller. Do you want to know a little bit about our business? Okabe: Yes. Banther: So, I'm a retired teacher, and Keith is a retired executive chef, and we think between our two strongpoints, mine regulations and compliance, and his creating wonderful things to eat and drink, we think we can make something our island is truly proud of. And so, our idea is a tiny micro -distillery on our farm using our farm products. And we have the okay from Planning, and we have the building permitted, and our building arrived yesterday, so waiting to be delivered next week by Coven's. And so, we're very excited to start this small ki ne using all kinds of things from our farm. Steele: Yes, we have a lot of sugar cane planted, we have the ulu. Banther: We have banana. Steele: Yes, so we're using the banana in the rum, and then the sugar cane as well. Ulu will be made towards a vodka distilled liquor. I will be doing a rye, but of course we don't have any of that grains, so that'll be shipped in from the mainland. That will be the only product that won't be subsidized from the island for that type of product. Okabe: Did you receive the report? Banther: Yes. Okabe: Okay, are there any changes to the report? Banther: No. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 21 OF 39 Okabe: Any public testimony? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Commissioners, questions? Go ahead. Greenwell: How many acres, or what size ulu farm plantation do you have to produce 35,000 lbs. of ulu in four years? Banther: So, I gotta tell you that my ulu, I only have 28 trees, 28 trees, and they produce between 8,000-11,000 lbs. a year for the co-op (co-operative). My trees are bonkers, well I have, should I tell them about my critters? My critters stay in the orchid, so I have three cows that help me eat down all the grass and Steele: And, they trim the bottom of the ulu trees. Banther: And, they trim the bottom of the ulu trees so it's nice air flow, and they also add all the natural organisms to the soil, so we don't fertilize or nothing, and we get the rain from mother nature. Greenwell: So, you said you have 28 trees on an acre? Banther: So we have about, the trees are all located pretty tight, one acre about. Greenwell: Thank you. Steele: So, the product itself, because like I said we're small, our plan is only to do 10,000 or less bottles a year. And so, we have three types, so it'll be divided up between the three as 10,000 total. Banther: And he'll be employee No. 1 or No. 2, and I'll be the other one, just us. Steele: I'm No. 1. Banther: Okay, you can be No. 1. You can be No. 1 because you have better taste than me, but I can tell you it smells funny. Greenwell: Thank you. Okabe: Any other questions? There was no further discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Okay, can I have a motion to approve or deny Application No. 24-41? If approved, public hearing to be held on September 4, 2025, in Hilo. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 22 OF 39 Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll move to approve Application No. 24-41, with a public hearing to be held September 4, 2025, in Hilo. Okabe: Is there a second? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No. 24-41, Hamakua Distillery LLC, dba Hamakua Distillery, for an Original Manufacturer liquor license, located at 28-3254 Beach Road, Pepe`ekeo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-8-008:044, with public hearing to be held on September 4, 2025, in Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. 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. 2. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:36 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-43 JKL & Associates, LLC E Komo Mai Bar & Grill Waiakea Square Warehouse, 200 Kanoelehua Avenue, #106, Hilo, Hawaii 2-2-032:095 Original Cabaret liquor license Representing applicant: Jalyn Like, Co-owner. Okabe: Can you please state your name and the relationship to the business? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 23 OF 39 Like: My name is Jalyn Like, I am the Managing Member for JKL &Associates, dba (doing business as) E Komo Mai Bar &Grill. Okabe: Okay, please describe your business? Like: We're going to be serving food and cocktails and so forth, it's just a bar and grill. Okabe: Okay, did you receive the report? Like: Yes. Okabe: Any changes? Like: No. Okabe: Okay, any public testimony? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Any discussions or questions from the Commissioners? Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, this is a Cabaret liquor license, so you're going to have dancing? Like: Correct. Nishimoto: With live or recorded music? Takase: So, Jalyn currently owns E Komo Mai which is on Kamehameha Avenue, so it's really just, although we're not treating it as a transfer location, but she's really just moving her operation. Nishimoto: You're going to vacate there? Like: Yes. Taniguchi: But, different category, right? Takase: No, she has a Cabaret right now. Taniguchi: Oh, okay. Takase: How long you been there? Like: Eight years. Takase: Seems longer. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 24 OF 39 Okabe: Okay, any other questions? There was no further discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, Commissioners can I have a motion to approve or deny Application No. 24-43? If approved, public hearing to be held on September 4, 2025, in Hilo. Taniguchi: Move to approve Application No. 24-43. If approved, public hearing to be held September 4, 2025, in Hilo. Okabe: Okay, is there a second? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve Application No. 24-43, JKL & Associates, LLC, dba E Komo Mai Bar & Grill, for an Original Cabaret liquor license, located at the Waiakea Square Warehouse, 200 Kanoelehua Avenue, #106, Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-2-032:095, with public hearing to be held on September 4, 2025, in Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: Okay, 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. VII. Unfinished Business (10:39 AM) Okabe: There is no Unfinished Business at this time. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 25 OF 39 Vill. New Business (10:39AM) 1. Tropics Ale House LLC, dba Tropics Ale House, approval of Application for Change to a Class 2, Restaurant license from its Dispenser General liquor (10:39 AM) license, Category B2, located at 69-1022 Keana Place, Waikoloa, Hawaii. Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Application for Change to a Class 2, Restaurant license from its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2, located at 69-1022 Keana Place, Waikoloa, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: Okay, 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, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 26 OF 39 2. Change in Officers Submitted for Approval (10:39 AM) a. Food Pantry, Ltd., dba Whalers General Store #230, dba Holo Holo Market, approval of Change in Officers as follows: (10:39 AM) • Appointment of Jacqueline Lucas -Lars, as Vice President, effective May 1, 2025, by form received May 29, 2025; • Personal History and Affidavit for Jacqueline Lucas -Lars, Vice President; of its Retail General liquor licenses, located at the Kings' Shops, 69-250 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Suite A-5, Waikoloa, Hawaii; and 78-128 `Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Okabe: Motion to approve? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the approval of Change in Officers as follows: Appointment of Jacqueline Lucas-Lara, as Vice President, effective May 1, 2025, by form received May 29, 2025; Personal History and Affidavit for Jacqueline Lucas-Lara, Vice President; of its Retail General liquor licenses, located at the Kings' Shops, 69-250 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Suite A-5, Waikoloa, Hawaii; and 78-128 `Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: Okay, moved and seconded, 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. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 27 OF 39 Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. b. Foodland Super Market, Limited, dba Foodland (Keaau), dba Foodland Farms, dba Foodland Super Market — Waimea, (10:40 AM) dba Sack `N Save (Kinoole), dba Sack `N Save (Kona), dba Sack `N Save (Puainako), approval of Change in Officers as follows: • Appointment of Jacqueline Lucas -Lars, as Vice President, effective May 1, 2025, by form received May 29, 2025; • Personal History and Affidavit for Jacqueline Lucas -Lars, Vice President; of its Retail General liquor licenses, for all Hawaii Island store locations. Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve? Taniguchi: Move to approve. Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve the Change in Officers as follows: Appointment of Jacqueline Lucas-Lara, as Vice President, effective May 1, 2025, by form received May 29, 2025; Personal History and Affidavit for Jacqueline Lucas- Lara, Vice President; of its Retail General liquor licenses, for all Hawaii Island store locations; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: 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. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 28 OF 39 Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. C. The Kalama Beach Corporation, dba Anytime Bar, dba Malama Market (Honokaa), dba Malama Market — Ocean View, dba Malama (10:41 AM) Market Pahoa, approval of Change in Officers as follows: • Appointment of Jacqueline Lucas -Lars, as Vice President, effective May 1, 2025, by form received May 29, 2025; • Personal History and Affidavit for Jacqueline Lucas -Lars, Vice President; of its Retail General and Restaurant General liquor licenses, Category B2, for all Hawaii Island locations. Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve? Greenwell: Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve. Taniguchi: Second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Change in Officers as follows: Appointment of Jacqueline Lucas-Lara, as Vice President, effective May 1, 2025, by form received May 29, 2025; Personal History and Affidavit for Jacqueline Lucas- Lara, Vice President; of its Retail General and Restaurant General liquor licenses, Category B2, for all Hawaii Island locations; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion to the motion? Taniguchi: Yes, I have a question, so who's Kalama Beach Corporation, that's Foodland too? Takase: It's one of their entities, that one owns Malama Markets. Nishimoto: It's the same person. Taniguchi: It's the same person that's appointed? Takase: Well, they all fall under Foodland, it's just they're different entities. So, Food Pantry is like small convenience stores, and then Foodland Super Markets, and Kalama bought out Malama Markets when they started it, so it looks like a Foodland if you go inside. Greenwell: Gerald, is that an Oahu company? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 29 OF 39 Takase: Yes, the Sullivans. Okabe: Any other questions? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: 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. 3. Permits Issued for Ratification (10:42 AM) (10:42 AM) a. Volcano Vineyards, LLC, dba Volcano Winery, ratification of Application for Entertainment Permit, for an event on June 8, 2025, approved by Director Gerald Takase on June 6, 2025, of its Winery liquor license, Category A, located at the Volcano Golf Course Subdivision, 35 Pi`i Mauna Drive, Volcano, Hawaii. b. Island Lava Java LLC, dba Island Lava Java, ratification of request to transfer liquor inventory to NC Oceanview Inc., dba Island Lava Java, approved by Director Gerald Takase on May 30, 2025, of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2, located at 75-5801 Ali`i Drive, Building A, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. C. Christopher Camero Memorial VFW Post 12122, dba VFW Post 12122, ratification of Application for Game Permits, for an event on July 17, 2025; and events from July 1-31, 2025; approved by Director Gerald Takase on June 23, 2025; of its Special General liquor license, located at 74-5543 Kaiwi Street, Suite 3-A185a and 3-A185b, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 30 OF 39 ADDENDUM (10:42 AM) d. MF Kona, LLC, dba Foster's Kitchen, ratification of Application for Outside Storage Permit, located at 76-6201 Walua Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawai`I, of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2, located at the Coconut Grove Marketplace, 75-5801 Ali`i Drive, Suite DU-1, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. e. Lau Ola, LLC, dba Big Island Grown Dispensaries, ratification of Application for Alcohol Purchase Permit, for 220 gallons of Ethanol 200 proof for industrial use from Future Hydrocarbons in San Pedro, California, approved by Director Gerald Takase on July 2, 2025, stored at 28-595 Kaupakuea Homestead Road, Pepe`ekeo, Hawaii. Okabe: Motion to ratify? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to ratify. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Permits Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 3(a) through 3(c), as stated in the agenda; AND Addendum Item Nos. 3(d) and 3(e), Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: 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. Okabe: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 31 OF 39 4. Alteration Permits Issued for Ratification (10:43 AM) (10:43 AM) a. Hualalai Investors, LLC, dba Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, ratification of Application for Alteration Permit, for renovations to Miller and Lux Hualalai, approved by Director Gerald Takase on June 19, 2025, of its Hotel liquor license, located at 72-100 Ka`upulehu Drive, 87 Mile Marker on Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. ITEM ALREADY TAKEN OUT OF ORDER Okabe: Can I have a motion to ratify? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to ratify. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Permits Issued for Ratification, Item No. 4(a), as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: Is there 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, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 32 OF 39 5. Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification (10:44 AM) (10:44 AM) a. Kuleana Spirits, Inc., dba Kuleana Rum Shack, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on June 18, 2025, approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on June 17, 2025, and for an event on July 4, 2025, approved by Director Gerald Takase on June 25, 2025, of its Small Craft Producer Pub liquor license, Category B1, located at the Queens' MarketPlace, 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Spaces H5, H6 and H7, Waikoloa, Hawaii. b. ANAHKAHNA, Inc., dba The Korner Pocket Bar & Grill, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on July 5, 2025, approved by Director Gerald Takase on June 19, 2025, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at the Central Kona Shopping Center 11, 81-970 Haleki`i Street, Building B, Kealakekua, Hawaii. C. Napua Hilo LLC, dba Lehua Restaurant at Imiloa, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on June 20, 2025, approved by Director Gerald Takase on June 20, 2025; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 600 Imiloa Place, Hilo, Hawaii. Okabe: Can I have a motion to ratify? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to ratify. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 5(a) through 5(c), as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: 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. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 33 OF 39 Okabe: Any abstentions? There were no abstentions by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. 6. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:45 AM) (10:45 AM) a. License No. SP-24-162, Aloha Performing Arts Company, dba Aloha Theatre, for a Special General liquor license, for events on June 13-15; 20-22; 27-29; 2025, held at 79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, Hawaii. b. License No. SP-24-163, The Friends of the Palace Theater, dba The Friends of the Palace Theater, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on June 21, 2025, held at 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. C. License No. SP-24-164, The Friends of the Palace Theater, dba The Friends of the Palace Theater, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on June 28, 2025, held at 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. d. License No. SP-24-165, Daughters of Hawaii, dba Daughters of Hawaii, for a Special Beer liquor license, for an event on June 7, 2025, held at 75-5718 Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. e. License No. SP-24-166, Hilo Community Players, dba Hilo Community Players, for a Special General liquor license, for events on June 6-8, 11, 13-15, 18-22, 25-27, 2025, held at 280 Keawe Street, Hilo, Hawaii. f. License No. SP-24-167, Volcano Art Center, dba Volcano Art Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on June 14, 2025, held at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano, Hawaii. g. License No. SP-24-168, Christopher Camero Memorial VFW Post 12122, dba Christopher Camero Memorial VFW Post 12122, for a Special General liquor license, for events on June 1 - 30, 2025, held at 74-5543 Kaiwi Street, Suite 185A, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. h. License No. SP-25-001, Junior Achievement of Hawaii, Inc., dba Junior Achievement of Hawaii, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on July 30, 2025, held at the ARC of Hilo, 1099 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 34 OF 39 i. License No. SP-25-002, Hawaii Island Humane Society, dba Hawaii Island Humane Society, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on July 19, 2025, held at the Mauna Lani Resort, 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, Kamuela, Hawaii. j. License No. SP-25-003, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba Kahilu Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on July 12, 13, 19, & 20, 2025, held at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii. k. License No. SP-25-004, Kona Elks Club, dba Kona Elks Club, for a Special General liquor license, for events on July 1-31, 2025, held at 75-170 Hualalai Road, Suite E-100, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. I. License No. SP-25-005, Ku`ikahi Mediation Center, dba Ku`ikahi Mediation Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on July 24, 2025, held at the Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa Street, Hilo, Hawaii. M. License No. SP-25-006, Donkey Mill Art Center, dba Donkey Mill Art Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on July 19, 2025, held at 78-6670 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, Hawaii. n. License No. SP-25-007, Fraternal Order of Eagles, dba Fraternal Order of Eagles, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on July 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, & 26; August 1, 2, 87 97 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 & 30, 2025, held at 16-111 `Opukaha`ia Street, Kea`au, Hawaii. Okabe: Can I have a motion to ratify? Taniguchi: Move to ratify. Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to ratify Special Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 6(a) through 6(n), License Nos. SP-24-162 through SP-24-168, AND License Nos. SP-25-001 through SP-25-007, as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Is there any discussion? Greenwell: Gerald, that Christopher Camero Memorial, they still working on a permanent license or what's happening there? They've been on our temporary ratification for years now. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 35 OF 39 Takase: Yes, they have been. So, I kind of have been thinking the same thing, so issued a letter to them saying that they need to either get their license, or we're going to cancel them and not continue. So, I gave them to the end of this year to get everything straightened out, so hopefully it will be done by then. Greenwell: Thank you. Takase: And, same thing with the Elks Club. Taniguchi: The Elks Club has a liquor license? Takase: They have one but they haven't activated it, so then same with the Christopher Camero of VFW (Veteran's of Foreign Wars), they both have applied for and received their liquor license, but they haven't gone through their final inspections, so they've been operating off of special permits. So, I told them two things, activate your license, if there's something wrong then we'll hold it, or to cancel it. So, hopefully both of them, if they can't get their things done, VFW (Veteran's of Foreign Wars), I'm not sure exactly what their hold up is right now, because it seems like they've had one thing after another. First, they were having trouble with the Planning Department, but that was resolved, and then they thought Greenwell: They had a lease issue? Takase: Yes, they thought they were going to lose the lease but they can stay now. So, that's why I tell them okay, you guys gotta do something, so hopefully they'll get through and activate it. Elks Club, they are trying to do improvements but they're doing it by themselves, they're saying we're getting there, we're a bunch of 70-year-old men, so we can't work too hard or long. But I said okay, I understand. Taniguchi: But they get their bar open, is it closed? Takase: No, it's open, maybe that's why they're taking so long. Taniguchi: Long time, for years, right they've had that bar over there. Takase: They actually moved up to Hualalai Theatres now. Taniguchi: Oh, this is Kona one? Takase: Yes. Taniguchi: Oh, okay but Hilo Elks has a liquor license. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 36 OF 39 Takase: Yes. So, both of those I've kind of given them the end of this year as a deadline to do something. Greenwell: Thank you. Okabe: Okay, 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. 7. Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:48 AM) (10:48 AM) a. License No. TV-25-005, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., dba Norwegian Sun, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on July 7, 14, 15; September 26; October 3, 2025. b. License No. TV-25-006, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., dba Norwegian Sun, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on July 8, 13; September 27; October 2, 2025. Okabe: Can I have a motion to ratify? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to ratify. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 7(a) and 7(b), License Nos. TV-25-005 and TV-25-006, as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: Okay, moved and seconded, any discussion to the motion? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 37 OF 39 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. 8. Memorandum dated June 25, 2025, Annual National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA) 2025 Report. (10:49 AM) Takase: It was submitted for your information, but I trust you guys are all going to study it because that's what the Admin Officer wanted. Okabe: Make sure you study it, okay. IX. Announcements (10:50 AM) Meetings of the Liquor Commission (10:50 AM) August 7, 2025, 10:00 A.M., Kona Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. September 4, 2025, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Au pu n i Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 31 2025 - HILO PAGE 38 OF 39 X. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 10:50 A.M. Ge Id Takase ctor The July 3, 2025 meeting minutes were approved as circulated, via email on July 31, 2025, by the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawaii on August 7, 2025. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - TH URSDA Y, JUL Y 3, 2025 - HI LO PAGE 39 OF 39