2025-08-07 Liquor Commission Minutes Kona

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Island Director, so he's basically the big boss when it comes to the Big Island. You know, Johnson Brothers was founded in 1953 in St. Paul, Minessota. They operate think in 22 different states, they started their Hawaii operations in 1988, that's a long time ago when they began service here in Hawaii. And they have a long distinguished history, what sets them apart from I think most wholesalers distributors is their commitment to customer service, even as wholesalers, not frontline retailers. It's their customer service, what we call "Aloha" that they show especially Hawaii but think brands them and provides for them tremendous success. For the record, we acknowledge receipt of the application report dated May 27, 2025, we have no substintive additions nor corrections. We submit to the Commission if the have any questions for Mr. Jones, Mr. Cranwell, or myself. Okabe: Thank you. You have anything to add? Jones: No, I think he covered it. Okabe: Director, you have any reports of protests? Takase: Mister Chairman, the applicant mailed 14 out of 14 notices within 100 feet, 64 out of 64 notices within 500 feet, and 4 notices to condominium or cooperative apartment managers. We had 64 properties entitled to protest, we received no protests to the application. Okabe: Okay, is there any public testimony? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, do you have any discussion or questions for this applicant? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Takase: Mr. Jones, how hard is it for you guys to pick up other lines in the State? And the reason I ask is we get calls from manufacturers wanting to come into the State but you know like, RNDC and Southern, they kind of locking everybody out. So, can you do it at this level, or you gotta go through your national? Jones: No, we can bring on new suppliers at my level with my authorization for the State of Hawaii. We do have local suppliers that are unique just to Hawaii, we also have national partners, suppliers that have partnered with us in all 22 states for Johnson Brothers. To answer your question, we would be open to having any conversation with a new producer that wants to enter the market, we probably share the sentiments of RNDC, Reyes, and Southern, in that there is a lot of market consolidation, so the larger suppliers are getting bigger, the smaller suppliers are getting smaller. And, we're also seeing a bit of a market contraction in terms of people drinking and habits of our customers. So, we would always be willing, if I can give you my card, I'd love to pass along anyone who wants to come into Hawaii, especially if it's a local opportunity. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2025 - KONA PAGE 12 OF 49