HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-02 Liquor Commission Minutes KonaCOUNTY OF HAWAI`I
DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL
LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES — OCTOBER 2, 2025
HANAMA PLACE
75-5706 KUAKINI HIGHWAY SUITE 107
KAI LUA-KONA, HAWAI `I
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Okabe at 10:00 A.M., in the Kona Meeting
Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
The following were present and constituted a quorum:
Commissioners: Wil Okabe, Chair
David Greenwell, Vice Chair
Gene Nakashima, Commissioner
Laurisa Nishimoto, Commissioner
Alan Okamoto, Commissioner
Arthur Taniguchi, Commissioner
Melvin Ventura, Commissioner
Jennifer Yadao, Commissioner
Absent and Excused: None
Others Present: Gerald Takase, Director
Brandon Gonzalez, Administrative Officer
Keyra Wong, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Stacie Waltjen, Licensing Officer
Zoeann Bertelmann, Licensing Technician
Hau`oli Sayles, Commission Secretary
Okabe: Silence your phones and devices, this meeting is being recorded, the
microphones in the room do not amplify your voice, but only record what is being said,
so speak loud, 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 Nakashima.
Nakashima: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Nishimoto.
Nishimoto: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Okamoto.
Okamoto: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Taniguchi.
Taniguchi: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Ventura.
Ventura: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Yadao.
Yadao: Present.
Sayles: Chair Okabe.
Okabe: Present.
Sayles: Others present are Director Gerald Takase, Administrative Officer Brandon
Gonzalez, Deputy Corporation Counsel Keyra Wong, Licensing Officer Stacie Waltjen,
Licensing Technician Zoe Bertelmann, and Commission Secretary Hau`oli Sayles.
Takase: Members of the Commission, I'd like to introduce sitting in the back there,
Steve Morifuji, who's our District 1 nominee for the Commission. So, he will be coming
up for a vote next week I guess before the Commission, so hopefully he'll be on at the
November meeting.
Okabe: Welcome, looking forward to having you on the Commission.
II. Approval of Minutes — Regular Meeting, September 4, 2025. (10:01 AM)
Executive Session, September 4, 2025.
Okabe: The September 4, 2025, regular meeting minutes were circulated via email on
September 29, 2025.
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve the minutes of
September 4, 2025.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 2 OF 39
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the
September 4, 2025, Liquor Commission regular meeting
minutes as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
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.
Okabe: At this time, the September 4, 2025, executive session minutes were circulated
via email on September 25, 2025. Can I entertain a motion to approve the executive
session minutes?
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve the executive session
minutes of September 4, 2025.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the
September 4, 2025, Liquor Commission executive session
minutes as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Okabe: Okay, moved and seconded, any discussion to the executive session minutes?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 3 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 (10:02 AM)
Okabe: There are no addendums and/or supplemental agenda at this time.
IV. Public Statements on Agenda Items (10:03 AM)
Okabe: Any statements from the public at this time on any of the agenda items?
There were no statements from members of the public.
V. Public Hearings (10:03 AM)
1. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10:03 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
24-42
Sean's Kitchen LLC
Sean's Kitchen
75-5660 Kopiko Street, Suite B5 and B6,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
7-5-004:011
Original Restaurant General liquor license,
Category 131
Representing applicant: Sean (Xinxiong) He, Owner, and Jiao Jiao Cai,
Manager
Okabe: Can you please state your name, and also the relationship to the business?
He: Xinxiong He.
Cai: The owner of Sean's Kitchen, and Jiao Jiao Cai, Manager of the Sean's Kitchen.
Okabe: Okay, can you please describe your business?
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 4 OF 39
Cai: We're a full -service restaurant, Japanese.
Okabe: Did you receive the application report?
Cai: Yes.
Okabe: Are there any changes to the report?
Cai: No.
Okabe: Director, are there any reports of protests?
Takase: Mister Chairman, the applicant mailed 97 out of 97 notices within 100 feet,
195 out of 198 within 500 feet, and 2 notices to condominium or cooperative apartment
managers. There were 197 properties entitled to protest, we received no protests to
this application.
Okabe: There any public testimony?
There was no public testimony.
Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, do you have any questions?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, can I entertain 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: Discussion on 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, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 5 OF 39
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. 24-42, pending final inspection.
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve Application No. 24-42,
pending final inspection.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No.
24-42, Sean's Kitchen LLC, dba Sean's Kitchen, for an Original
Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at
75-5660 Kopiko Street, Suite B5 and B6, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii,
TMK: 7-5-004:011, pending final inspection; Seconded by
Commissioner Nishimoto.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, discussion on 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: Motion is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
NEXT TWO ITEMS WERE TAKEN AT ONCE
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 6 OF 39
2. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10:05 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TMK:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
AND
3. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TMK:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
25-01
Big Island Booch Inc.
The Booch Bar
230 Kekuanaoa Street, Hilo, Hawaii
2-2-054:031
Original Small Craft Producer Pub liquor license,
Category A
25-02
Big Island Booch Inc.
The Booch Bar
110 Keawe Street, Hilo, H awa i `i
2-3-005:008
Adding its current Restaurant General liquor
license, Category B1, as an additional location
to its pending Small Craft Producer Pub liquor
license, Category A, located at 230 Kekuanaoa
Street, Hilo, Hawaii; Increase in its current
Licensed Premises to include an adjacent unit
consisting of 1,200 square feet, and a Change in
Category of its current licensed premises to B2,
from its Restaurant General liquor license,
Category B 1
Representing applicant: Brenden Roberts, Co-owner
Okabe: Can you state your name and the relationship to the business?
Roberts: My name is Brenden Roberts, I'm the President and Chief Operating Officer
of Big Island Booch and The Booch Bar.
Okabe: Can you please, your description of the businesses?
Roberts: We've been operating in Hilo for about 12 years now, we have both a
restaurant and a kombucha manufacturing facility. In addition to our kombucha, we
are beginning to, or we are trying to begin to make alcoholic kombucha products as
well, to be served both in our restaurant, and also packaged for wholesale distribution.
Okabe: Have you received the application reports?
Roberts: Yes, I have.
Okabe: Okay, any changes to the reports?
Roberts: No.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 7 OF 39
Okabe: Director, are there any reports of protests?
Takase: Mr. Chairman, for the Kekuanaoa property, the applicant mailed 7 out of 7
notices within 100 feet, 382 out of 382 within 500 feet, and 1 notice to a condominium
or cooperative apartment manager. There were 382 properties entitled to protest, we
received no protest to this application.
For the downtown location, the applicant mailed 10 out of 10 within 100 feet, 98 out of
98 within 500 feet, there were 85 properties entitled to protests, we received no protest
this application.
Okabe: Okay, are there any public testimony on this two items?
There was no public testimony.
Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, do you have any questions?
Taniguchi: So the building you're in, we have it marked over here in red, what's on the
other side? You don't occupy the whole thing?
Roberts: So right now, we have in the middle of the building, there's a farm cooperative
that is doing CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), and they're going to be moving
out at the end of October I believe, and we are going to be taking over the rest of the
building at that time.
Taniguchi: So you're going to be serving?
Roberts: In Kekuanaoa, we're not going to serve anything, we're only manufacturing.
Taniguchi: Just manufacturing. Thank you.
Okabe: Any other discussion?
There was no further discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Can I have a motion to close the public hearing?
Taniguchi: Move to close public hearing.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to close the public
hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, discussion on the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 8 OF 39
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: Commissioners, can I entertain a motion to approve or deny Application Nos.
25-01 and 25-02, pending final inspections?
Taniguchi: Move to approve Application Nos. 25-01 and 25-02, pending final
inspections.
Ventura: Second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve Application
No. 25-019 Big Island Booch Inc., dba The Booch Bar, for an
Original Small Craft Producer Pub liquor license, Category
A, located at 230 Kekuanaoa Street, Hilo, Hawai `i, TM K: 2-2-
054:031; AND Application No. 25-02, Big Island Booch Inc.,
dba The Booch Bar, for adding its current Restaurant General
liquor license, Category B1, as an additional location to its
pending Small Craft Producer Pub liquor license, Category
A, located at 230 Kekuanaoa Street, Hilo, Hawaii; Increase
in its current Licensed Premises to include an adjacent unit
consisting of 1,200 square feet, and a Change in Category
of its current licensed premises to B2, from its Restaurant
General liquor license, Category B1, located at 110 Keawe
Street, Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-3-005:008, pending final
inspections; Seconded by Commissioner Ventura.
Okabe: Okay, moved and seconded, discussion on the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye."
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 9 OF 39
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: 11 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
T25-03
JR Ohana Grill, LLC
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill (Kona)
Pottery Terrace, Suite L, 75-5995 Kuakini
Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
7-5-030:024
Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General
liquor license, Category B2, currently held by
Big Island Restaurant Group, LLC, dba
Jackie Rey's O'hana Grill Kona
Representing applicant: Matthew Mather, Co-owner
Okabe: Can you please state your name and the relationship to the business?
Mather: Matthew Mather, Co-owner.
Okabe: Okay, can you please describe your business?
Mather: It is a full -service American island -style cuisine with a full bar.
Okabe: Did you receive the application report?
Mather: Yes, sir.
Okabe: Okay, any changes?
Mather: No.
Okabe: Director, are there any reports of protests?
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 10 OF 39
Takase: Mr. Chairman, this is a sale and transfer, publication was made September
13t"7 2025, we received no protests to this application.
Okabe: Any public testimony today?
There was no public testimony.
Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, do you have any discussion or questions?
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.
Okamoto: Okamoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to close the public
hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Okamoto.
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: Opposed "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Okabe: Any abstentions?
There were no abstentions by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried to close the public hearing.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Okabe: Motion to approve or deny Application No. T25-03, pending final inspection?
Ventura: Ventura, motion to approve Application No. T25-03, pending final inspection.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 11 OF 39
Commissioner Ventura moved to approve Application No.
T25-03, JR Ohana Grill, LLC, dba Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill
(Kona), for a Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General
liquor license, Category B2, currently held by Big Island
Restaurant Group, LLC, dba Jackie Rey's O'hana Grill Kona,
located at the Pottery Terrace, Suite L, 75-5995 Kuakini
Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, TMK: 7-5-030:024, pending
final inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, 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.
VI. Preliminary Hearings (10:13 AM)
1. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10:13 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TMK:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
25-05
GKM, Inc.
Ko`a Honokohau Harbor
74-425 Kealakehe Parkway, Space No. 17,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
7-4-008:042
Original Restaurant General liquor license,
Category 131
Representing applicant: Kris Shimabukuro, General Manager
Okabe: Please state your name and relationship to the business.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 12 OF 39
Shimabukuro: Kris Shimabukuro, the General Manager, and we have here our
consultant, Daisuke Arai, who we hope eventualy will be our chef. He's being engaged
as a consultant at this point from the beginning.
Okabe: Can you please describe your business?
Shimabukuro: This is going to be a sushi bar.
Okabe: Just sushi, that's it?
Shimabukuro: Yes.
Okabe: No ramen, nothing?
Shimabukuro: We're not planning to go that route at this time, if it's amended at this
point we have not begun to finalize the menu, but we're looking at something that's
going to be more exclusively towards sushi, yeah.
Okabe: You received the application report?
Shimabukuro: Yes.
Okabe: Any changes?
Shimabukuro: No.
Okabe: Okay, any public testimony on this?
There was no public testimony.
Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, do you have any questions or discussion?
Ventura: I have a question, so Gerald, where the bathroom is located, is that an
appropriate distance from the establishment? 177.3 feet.
Takase: I'm assuming it's okay because we had a licensee there before, Keoni's Point
of View, so they qualified so nothing's changed, so I think they will get approval.
Okabe: But it would have to go through the permit process anyway, so they will be
checking, right?
Takase: Yes.
Okabe: Okay.
Nakashima: Because I think if I'm not mistaken, prior to Keoni's, they had portable
toilets, it was outside before Keoni's.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 13 OF 39
Takase: I'm not so sure that portable toilets aren't allowed now.
Ventura: But, you have plans for permanent restrooms, right?
Shimabukuro: Correct, on premises, it's not here in this plan unfortunately, but we
do have plans for a restroom there, and the bathrooms that are still in use would be
auxilliary, is my understanding. But, as we get further along in the planning process,
we'll be sure to clearly delineate that on the plans. We are not partial to continuing on
with the portable toilets, that's not what Mr. O'Brien's intention is.
Okabe: Any other questions, Commissioners?
There was no further discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, can I entertain a motion to approve or deny Application No.
25-05? If approved, the public hearing will be held December 4, 2025, in Hilo.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, move to approve Application No. 25-05. If approved, public
hearing to be held December 4, 2025, in Hilo.
Greenwell: Greenwell, second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application No. 25-05,
GKM, Inc., dba Ko`a Honokohau Harbor, for an Original Restaurant
General liquor license, Category B1, located at 74-425 Kealakehe
Parkway, Space No. 17, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, TMK: 7-4-008:042,
with public hearing to be held on December 4, 2025, in Hilo, Hawaii;
Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell.
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.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 14 OF 39
The motion was carried unanimously.
2. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10: 17 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TMK:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
25-06
Black Onyx Entertainment LLC
Black Onyx
202 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii
2-3-007:015
Original Cabaret liquor license
Representing applicant: Tasmine Curenton, Owner
Okabe: Can you please state your name and the relationship to the business?
Curenton: Good morning, Commissioners, my name is Tasmine Curenton, and I am
the Manager and Co-founder of Black Onyx Entertainment.
Okabe: Can you please describe your business?
Curenton: Black Onyx is an entertainment lounge that has a focus on music but not
limited to curated for nights with comedy, movie nights, art exhibitions, live music, open
mics, poetry slams, DJ (disc jockey) sets, etc.
Okabe: Okay, you received the application report?
Curenton: Yes, sir.
Okabe: Are there any changes to the report?
Curenton: No, sir.
Okabe: Okay, any public testimony for this?
There was no public testimony.
Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, do you have any questions in regards to this
application?
Ventura: Ms. Curenton, what are your hours currently?
Curenton: I am currently closed at this moment.
Ventura: Okay.
Taniguchi: I have a question. So, I think I walked passed this the other day, so is this
where there was another one there before, like a bar?
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 15 OF 39
Curenton: I'm not sure, sir.
Taniguchi: Is it like narrow and long?
Curenton: Yes, sir.
Takase: I think you're thinking of Chapter 27.
Taniguchi: Yes, is that the same place?
Takase: Not the same location, but very close to it.
Nishimoto: I think it was like a real estate office or something.
Curenton: Real estate was next door to us, I want to say two doors down from me.
Taniguchi: So, you're not going to have anybody open at night anyway, right?
Because everybody's closed around there at nighttime?
Curenton: To my understanding, yes sir.
Okabe: Okay, that's it with questions?
There was no further discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, I'd like to entertain a motion to approve or deny Application
No. 25-06? If approved, the public hearing will be held on December 4, 2025, in Hilo.
Taniguchi: I move to approve Application No. 25-06. If approved, public hearing to be
held December 4t", 2025, in Hilo.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve Application No. 25-06,
Black Onyx Entertainment LLC, dba Black Onyx, for an Original
Cabaret liquor license, located at 202 Kamehameha Avenue,
Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-3-007:015, with public hearing to be held on
December 4, 2025, in Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner
Nishimoto.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, is there any discussion to the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye."
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 16 OF 39
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 (10:20 AM)
1. Change in Members Submitted for Approval
(10:20 AM) a. RMG Waikoloa, LLC, dba Romano's Macaroni Grill, approval
of Change in Members and Application for Transfer of Membership
Interest as follows:
• Removal of RMG Acquisition Company, LLC, Member;
• Appointment of Manna Restaurant Group LLC, as Member;
• Transfer of 100% Membership Interest from RMG Acquisition Company,
LLC to Manna Restaurant Group LLC;
• Personal History and Affidavit for Jason Roe, Member of Manna
Restaurant Group LLC;
effective July 12, 2024, by forms received June 13, 2025; of its Restaurant
General liquor license, Category B1, located at the Queens' MarketPlace,
69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Suite 1010, Waikoloa, Hawaii.
Takase: Mr. Chairman I don't know if you folks have read in the paper recently that
Macaroni Grill has ceased to operate, they haven't been paying their rent. So, they
violated their lease and the shopping center foreclosed on them. But the Department
is still asking you to go through with the transfer of the license, and the reason being is
we have some cases currently pending against them. But, unless they actually hold the
license, we can't proceed with our cases because they're not really our licensee yet.
So, it's a little peculiar but we're asking for you folks to approve the license, they'll have
a licensee name, but they don't have a location now. So, you know just be holding the
license and then it'll give our investigators chance to finish up their investigation, and if
we bring further charges against them, then we will be able to do so. So, that's the
recommendation of the Department at this time.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 17 OF 39
Okabe: So, are you asking the Commission to approve the change in membership and
transfer of membership interest?
Takase: Yes.
Okabe: Okay. Any questions before we do that?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Okay, hearing none. Can I have a motion to approve the Change in Members
and Transfer of Membership Interests?
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, move to approve Change in Members and
Transfer of Membership Interests.
Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve the Change in
Members and Application for Transfer of Membership Interest
as follows: Removal of RMG Acquisition Company, LLC,
Member; Appointment of Manna Restaurant Group LLC, as
Member; Transfer of 100% Membership Interest from RMG
Acquisition Company, LLC, to Manna Restaurant Group LLC;
Personal History and Affidavit for Jason Roe, Member of
Manna Restaurant Group LLC; effective July 12, 20249 by
forms received June 13, 2025; of its Restaurant General liquor
license, Category B1, located at the Queens' MarketPlace,
69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Suite 1010, Waikoloa, Hawaii;
Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi.
Okabe: Okay, moved and seconded, any discussion? Mr. Greenwell.
Greenwell: Before we close this, does the Department have any standings on the
case, or are they in the back seat just waiting to hear what happens? Are we owed any
money?
Takase: When did they close? Last month. We are probably owed some money for
licensing fees, if our cases go forward we'll be owed more money. I'm not real hopeful
that we're going to collect against them but we feel it's necessary to take action so that if
this operator does come back, we'll have some paper against him to not grant another
license.
Okabe: Okay, any other discussion?
There was no further discussion by Commissioners.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 18 OF 39
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: Abstentions?
There were no abstentions by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
NEXT ITEM WA S SKIPPED TAKEN A T THE END OF THE A GENDA
2. Referral for Executive Session, Selection Process for the New Director
of the Department of Liquor Control, Deputy Corporation Counsel Keyra Wong,
(10: 24 AM) requesting an attorney -client confidential discussion to consult with the Commission
regarding the above matter.
The Commission anticipates convening an executive meeting pursuant to
Section 92-5(a)(4) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended, for the purpose
of consulting with the Commission's attorney on questions and issues pertaining
to the Commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities.
A 2/3 vote of the members present is necessary to hold an executive meeting,
pursuant to Section 92-4(a) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended.
Vill. New Business (10:24AM)
1. K.O. Pizza, dba K.O. Pizza, approval of Updated Alcohol Delivery Compliance
Plan, received August 20, 2025; of its Restaurant General liquor license,
(10: 24 AM) Category 131, located at 55-3406 Akoni Pule Highway, Hawi, Hawaii.
Representing licensee: Kelly Woods, Co-owner
Okabe: Can you please state your name and the relationship to the business?
Woods: I am Co-owner and my name is Kelly Woods.
Okabe: Can you please describe your business?
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 19 OF 39
Woods: We are a New York -style Pizzeria.
Okabe: Okay, can you explain the upgraded alcohol delivery compliance plan?
Woods: Sure, we want to expand to deliver pizza, and we have our liquor license so
we would like to offer beer and wine as well with that. We're hoping that it will increase
pizza sales.
Okabe: Any discussion by the Commissioners, or questions?
Greenwell: Yes, Gerald, is this what they're stating above and beyond, or is this just
what's in place already?
Takase: Well, I'll let Brandon answer.
Gonzalez: Thank you. Commissioner Greenwell and Commissioners, so Ms. Woods
has been in contact with the Department from the beginning of her desire to add alcohol
delivery to her pizza delivery, and we set forth the minimum requirements. Short
answer is they've actually put in more than the minimum that we would require. She's
actually given us examples of how they're going to keep the records, forms, and
documents that her personnel will have to complete and provide to the Department
upon request to determine how much alcohol sales are being done through delivery.
Greenwell: Good, thank you.
Woods: Yes, and just to expand on that, we have created a separate, we use Square
as our POS (point of sale) system. So, we created a separate Square K.O. Pizza
delivery profile, and that way when we need to submit how many liquor sales, then we
can just pull from that one database, and so it keeps it kind of separate and clean from
the restaurant.
Greenwell: Good.
Okabe: Any other questions?
Ventura: Brandon, is there a maximum that can be delivered in one delivery?
Gonzalez: That's a good question, not really.
Takase: She's up in Kohala, I think it's kind of a closed market so you know, if it
becomes a problem, we'll visit again with her, but I think it's really just to help pizza
business you know so, we don't see it as a big problem.
Taniguchi: So, what kind of beer are you going to deliver, is it bottles or cans, not draft,
right?
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 20 OF 39
Woods: Cans, no draft, we don't have growlers or anything, it's just cans and bottles,
yes.
Taniguchi: So, what is the difference with New York, what's the distinction of New York
pizza?
Woods: Oh, I could go all day but it's basically thin crust, they're really large, the whole
purpose in New York pizza is you get a slice on the road like you're going, and it's a
crispy crust and light cheese, and light sauce. Yeah, that's all it is, not a ton of toppings,
not heavy, you can have like three slices, you're good to go.
Taniguchi: Thank you.
Okabe: Okay, any other questions?
There was no further discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: I'd like to entertain a motion to approve the Updated Alcohol Delivery
Compliance Plan.
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make a motion to approve the Updated Alcohol
Delivery Compliance Plan.
Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Updated
Alcohol Delivery Compliance Plan received August 20, 2025,
of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located
at 55-3406 Akoni Pule Highway, HAWI, Hawaii; Seconded by
Commissioner Taniguchi.
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?
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There were no abstentions by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
2. Wailuku Brew Works Inc., dba Wailuku Brew Works, approval of Application
for Increase in Licensed Premises, to include it's second story balcony, storage
(10:29 AM) closet, and restroom, of approximately 290.5 square feet, and approval of
Application for Alteration Permit; of its current licensed premises; of its Small
Craft Producer Pub liquor license, Category B2, located at 16-205 Wiliama Place,
Kea`au, 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 Increase in Licensed Premises, to include it's second story
balcony, storage closet, and restroom, approximately 290.5
square feet, and approval of Application for Alteration Permit;
of its current licensed premises; of its Small Craft Producer
Pub liquor license, Category B2, located at 16-205 Wiliama
Place, Kea`au, Hawaii; 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.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 22 OF 39
Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
3. Request to Extend the Time for Issuance of License Submitted for Approval
(10:30 AM) a. Four Palms LLC, dba SoKo Kitchen and Cocktails, approval of
request to extend the time for issuance of the liquor license for good
cause shown for an additional 12 months, from October 7, 2025, to and
including October 7, 2026) by letter received September 3, 2025, of its
Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at the Mango
Court Shopping Center, 79-7460 Mamalahoa Highway, Suite #A-104
and 105, Kealakekua, Hawaii.
Approving the extension request requires finding of good cause
pursuant to Rule 4-2(M) of the Rules and Regulations of the Liquor
Commission of the County of Hawaii. If the Commission finds
good cause, state what the good cause is when making the motion.
Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve with good cause?
Taniguchi: I'll make the motion to approve for good cause, his letter indicates that
they've taken care of all of the irregularities from the previous landowner, and they're
back in the queue for approval. So, it appears as though they want to open as soon
as possible, so I think that's good cause and hopefully they can open soon.
Okabe: Can I have a second?
Greenwell: I'll second the motion.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve the request to extend
the time for issuance of the liquor license for good cause shown
for an additional 12 months from October 7, 2025, to and including
October 7, 2026, by letter received September 3, 2025, of its
Restaurant General liquor license, Category 132, located at the
Mango Court Shopping Center, 79-7460 Mamalahoa Highway,
Suite #A-104 and 105, Kealakekua, Hawaii; Seconded by
Commissioner Greenwell.
Okabe: Okay, moved and seconded, any discussion to the motion or any questions?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye."
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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. Change in Officers/Directors/Managers Submitted for Approval
(10:31 AM) a. IES Retail, LLC, dba IES Retail, LLC, approval of Change in Managers,
with the removal of Michael Koike, Joshua Goldman, and Thomas
Lamothe, Managers; effective August 20, 2025, by form received
August 27, 2025; of its Retail Beer and Wine liquor license, located
at 321 Maka`ala Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve?
Greenwell: Motion to approve, Greenwell.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Change
in Managers, with the removal of Michael Koike, Joshua
Goldman, and Thomas Lamothe, Managers; effective August
20, 2025, by form received August 27, 2025; of its Retail Beer
and Wine liquor license, located at 321 Maka`ala Street, Hilo,
Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
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."
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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. Safeway Inc., dba Safeway Store #1117, dba Safeway Stores, Inc.
#2893 (Maka'ala), dba Safeway (Hilo Fuel Center), approval of
(10: 32 AM) Change in Officers/Directors as follows:
• Removal of Vivek Sankaran, Chief Executive Officer and President,
and Bradley Beckstrom, Secretary, Director, and Group Vice President;
• Appointment of Robert Larson, as President and Director; and Marilyn
Beardsley, as Vice President, Secretary, and Director;
• Change in Title of Cody Perdue, from Treasurer, Assistant Secretary,
Director, and Group Vice President; to Treasurer, Assistant Secretary,
Director, and Senior Vice President;
effective August 6, 2025, by forms received September 17, 2025;
of its Retail General liquor licenses, located at 75-971 Henry Street,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and 381 East Maka`ala Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
Okabe: Can I entertain a motion to approve?
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Change in
Officers/Directors as follows: Removal of Vivek Sankaran,
Chief Executive Officer and President, and Bradley Beckstrom,
Secretary, Director, and Group Vice President; Appointment
of Robert Larson, as President and Director; and Marilyn
Beardsley, as Vice President, Secretary, and Director; Change
in Title of Cody Perdue, from Treasurer, Assistant Secretary,
Director, and Group Vice President; to Treasurer, Assistant
Secretary, Director, and Senior Vice President; effective
August 6, 2025, by forms received September 17, 2025; of its
Retail General liquor licenses, located at 75-971 Henry Street,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and 381 East Maka`ala Street, Hilo,
Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 25 OF 39
Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion?
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.
5. Permits Issued for Ratification (10:33 AM)
a. Hiroaki Yomo, Solicitor, JFC International Inc., ratification of
Application for Solicitor's Permit, approved by Administrative Officer
Brandon Gonzalez on September 16, 2025, of its Wholesaler -General
liquor license, located at 2968 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, Hawaii.
b. Adrianna Ahia, Solicitor, Ohana Beverage Company, ratification
of Application for Solicitor's Permit, approved by Administrative Officer
Brandon Gonzalez on September 17, 2025, of its Wholesaler -General
liquor license, located at 173 Alamaha Street, Unit 5, Kahului, Hawaii;
and 2915 Kaihikapu Street, Honolulu, Hawaii.
C. Scott Ushiroda, Solicitor, Ohana Beverage Company, ratification
of Application for Solicitor's Permit, approved by Administrative Officer
Brandon Gonzalez on September 24, 2025, of its Wholesaler -General
liquor license, located at 173 Alamaha Street, Unit 5, Kahului, Hawaii;
and 2915 Kaihikapu Street, Honolulu, Hawaii.
d. Volcano Vineyards, LLC, dba Volcano Winery, ratification of Application
for Entertainment Permit, for an event on September 27, 2025, approved
by Director Gerald Takase on September 22, 2025; of its Winery liquor
license, Category A, located at the Volcano Golf Course Subdivision,
35 Pi`i Mauna Drive, Volcano, Hawaii.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 26 OF 39
e. Napua Hilo LLC, dba Lehua Restaurant at Imiloa, ratification of
Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event
on September 23, 2025, approved by Administrative Officer Brandon
Gonzalez on September 15, 2025, of its Restaurant General liquor
license, Category B2, located at 600 Imiloa Place, Hilo, Hawaii.
f. Sakura Japanese Restaurant Inc., dba Sakura Japanese
Restaurant, ratification of request to transfer liquor inventory to
Sakura Kona LLC, dba Sakura Japanese Restaurant, approved by
Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on September 24, 2025,
of its Restaurant Beer and Wine liquor license, Category A, located
at the Crossroads Shopping Center, 75-1027 Henry Street, Suite
No. 108B, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Okabe: Can I have a motion to ratify?
Greenwell: Motion to ratify, this is Greenwell.
Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Permits Issued
for Ratification, Item Nos. 5(a) through 5(f), as stated in
the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion to the motion?
Greenwell: Gerald, that Sakura Japanese Restaurant, the transfer of liquor, it's under
ratification of permits, why didn't it come under like new business or something?
Takase: It's just the transfer of the liquor inventory, so usually you've delegated the
authority to the Department to approve it, so you're just ratifying it.
Greenwell: So, where was the liquor transferred to?
Takase: It was just between themselves because if you remember Sakura, the old
ownership transferred to the two new entities, so it was just transferring it internally
from the old ones to the new ones.
Greenwell: Okay.
Okabe: Okay, any other questions?
There was no further discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye."
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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.
6. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:35 AM)
a. License No. SP-25-034, Fraternal Order of Eagles, dba Fraternal
Order of Eagles, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events
on September 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27; October 3-4, 10-11, 17-18,
24-25, & 31, 2025, held at 16-111 `Opukaha`ia Street, Kea`au, Hawaii.
b. License No. SP-25-035, Volcano Art Center, dba Volcano Art Center,
for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on September 13,
2025, held at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano, Hawaii.
C. License No. SP-25-036, Mala`ai, dba Mala`ai, for a Special Beer
and Wine liquor license, for an event on September 6, 2025, held
at 65-1227 Opelo Road, Waimea, Hawaii.
d. License No. SP-25-037, 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 September 11, 2025, held at the Hilo Palace
Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
e. License No. SP-25-038, 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 September 13, 2025, held at the Hilo Palace
Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
f. License No. SP-25-039, Aloha Performing Arts Company, dba
Aloha Theatre, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on
September 21, 2025, held at79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua,
Hawaii.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 28 OF 39
g. License No. SP-25-040, Kapa Mag-More than a Magazine, dba
Kapa Mag-More than a Magazine, for a Special General liquor
license, for events on September 19-21, 2025, held at Hale Halawai,
75-5760 Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
h. License No. SP-25-041, Hilo Community Players, dba Hilo Community
Players, for a Special General liquor license, for events on September 11,
18, 22, 25-27, 2025, held at 280 Keawe Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
i. License No. SP-25-043, Donkey Mill Art Center, dba Donkey Mill
Art Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event
on October 25, 2025, held at 78-6670 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa,
Hawaii.
j. License No. SP-25-044, Hawaii Ag and Culinary Alliance, dba
Hawaii Ag and Culinary Alliance, for a Special General liquor
license, for an event on October 17, 2025, held at the Mauna Kea
Golf Course, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Waimea, Hawaii.
Okabe: Can I have a motion to ratify?
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, motion to ratify.
Okamoto: Second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to ratify Special
Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 6(a) through 60),
License Nos. SP-25-034 through SP-25-041 AND License
Nos. SP-25-043 and SP-25-044, as stated in the agenda; Seconded by
Commissioner Okamoto.
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.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 29 OF 39
Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
7. Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:35 AM)
a. License No. TV-25-018, Magical Cruise Company, Limited,
dba Disney Wonder, for a Transient Vessel liquor license,
in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on October 2, 2025.
b. License No. TV-25-019, Carnival License Holdings Limited,
dba Carnival Legend, for a Transient Vessel liquor license,
in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on September 29, 2025.
C. License No. TV-25-020, Carnival License Holdings Limited,
dba Carnival Spirit, for a Transient Vessel liquor license,
in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on October 5, 2025.
d. License No. TV-25-021, Carnival License Holdings Limited,
dba Carnival Radiance, for a Transient Vessel liquor license,
in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on October 26, December 7,
2025; January 18, February 15, March 15, & April 12, 2026.
e. License No. TV-25-022, Intercruises as agents for Celebrity
Cruises, dba Celebrity Edge, for a Transient Vessel liquor license,
in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on September 27, 2025.
f. License No. TV-25-023, Intercruises as agents for Celebrity
Cruises, dba Celebrity Solstice, for a Transient Vessel liquor
license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on September 28, 2025.
g. License No. TV-25-024, Intercruises as agents for Celebrity Cruises,
dba Celebrity Edge, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at
Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on September 28, 2025.
h. License No. TV-25-025, Intercruises as agents for Celebrity Cruises,
dba Celebrity Solstice, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port
at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona Hawaii, on September 29-30, 2025.
Okabe: Can I have a motion to ratify?
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, motion to ratify.
Greenwell: Greenwell, second.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 30 OF 39
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to ratify Transient Vessel Licenses
Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 7(a) through 7(h), License Nos.
TV-25-018 through TV-25-025, as stated in the agenda; Seconded
by Commissioner Greenwell.
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 one, motion is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
8. Memorandum Dated September 4, 2025, Hawaii County Salary
Commission's Inquiry to the Appointing Authorities Concerning
Proposed Salary Adjustments for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (10:37 AM)
Takase: You have the salary schedule, I don't know what they're proposing but it's
kind of being driven by Maui, their Managing Director makes $400,000.00. It would be
good for us but I don't think it's gonna happen that way, and their attorneys are making
$200,0000.00 a year. But, I think they want to try and stay, at least this Commission
is trying to get up on it because that's been the problem with all the past Salary
Commissions, is they've kind of gone defunct after they gave raises, and then they're
really behind the ball when they gotta do it. So, they're trying to get ahead of the game,
and so we'll try and prepare something but I think for you folks, look at the salary ranges
and see what you guys think might be good. It doesn't have to be to an exact number
but you could say you know, in the same range with this, and I think I'll say from my
standpoint, it's kind of fairly laid out what they've been doing lately.
Okabe: After this input, does the Chair have to go to the Salary Commission to justify
whatever is decided, do you anticipate that I got to do that?
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Takase: I don't know, that's a little ways off, I think if you're not going to follow their
recommendation, that you might have to but I think we just follow along with whatever
they propose.
Okabe: So, all of the departments are not needing to kind of get into a percentage?
Takase: Well for most of them, they don't have commissions so there's only us,
Water, Police, Fire, and Civil Service that are the only commission -driven departments.
So, those are really the only five kind of looking at this issue in terms of commissioners
rather than department heads and the Mayor.
Greenwell: But Gerald, they don't expect Commissioners on the Liquor Commission to
pass judgement on the Fire or the Police Commission, do they?
Takase: No, so they're just asking you what you feel would be fair.
Taniguchi: The Salary Commission was autonomous?
Takase: They are but you know, I think they don't want to feel like, you know they're
trying to do their due diligence and go out, and you know they're looking at what's
being proposed by the other counties. But they're also asking that especially for
Commissions like yourselves, that you know you have some authority over the
directors, you know what do you want to see? So, I don't anticipate it to be adversarial
losses.
Wong: I think that the Salary Commission has a directive to at least reach out to
the respective boards and commissions who hire you know, the Police Chief, Gerald's
position. So, they just want feedback if you guys want to offer any, but ultimately the
final decision is the Salary Commission.
Taniguchi: Yeah, that's what I thought.
Gonzalez: So, to follow up with what the Director said, the memo from the Salary
Commission, he thinks Question No. 7 is the one where your feedback is the most
relevant because Item Nos. 1 — 6, like what are the primary duties and responsibilities?
How many employees are in the department, right? Those types of responses are
think, his thinking is our Department can generate answers for that, but when it comes
to the input about the recommended salary adjustments, that's where you take a look
at it, yeah?
Takase: And kind of take a look, if you need more information, we can try and provide
it for you, but I don't think they're anticipating you coming up with a specific number.
think right now we're kind of drawn, the directors and department heads are drawn into
two tiers, top tier and second tier. We're in the second tier but it's fine, we're a small
department, so I don't you know, I don't think it's a big problem.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 32 OF 39
Okabe: I remember when I was the Chair with the Police Commission, when we tried
to increase the pay, what the Police Commission did was to look at all the islands and
the amount of employees, how many police officers and everything, and tried to look at
the amount of duties of the Chief. So, is there you know data about Big Island, Maui,
Kauai, `O`ahu? Because `O`ahu is the biggest, right? Two million something so you
know, they get the higher revenue and everything, right? So, they get the highest but
there supposed to be some kind of table so that you can kind of get up, that's what we
use to increase the Police Chief's pay.
Takase: I'll see if we can put something together like that. Usually we do it by the
number of licenses, you know versus what we collect in terms of the budget, so I think
Honolulu has about 2,000 licensees I recall, and their budget is probably along those
lines. Maui and us have about the same amount of licensees, around 400, their budget
is probably twice ours. But you know, it's also because they're carrying a lot more
personnel, although they have a lot of openings right now, and Kauai is probably about
half of us in everything. So I'll try and see what numbers I can pull together to give you
guys some insight.
Taniguchi: So, the Fire Department, I think they're just looking more or less at the
percent because I think Police and Fire, there's is more challenging because it's not a
matter of how much you're going to give, but you have the other problem where people
don't apply because they make more money in the position they're in, so they're not
going to apply.
Takase: Which is just kind of always the problem but the other
Taniguchi: Yeah, well I don't think we have that problem in our Department, we cannot
cut the pay, right? I mean, you cannot go down and reduce pay, the Salary
Commission wouldn't do that, right?
Takase: No, but so that's why I said, if we keep it up, I think that's fine, but the directors
kind of sit in a funny position because they can't really advocate for themselves. The
departments that are general -funded departments, they're kind of in a double bind
because they got you know, the Mayor is going to set the budget for all of them, we
got Wil here now they can kind of talk to. It is a problem you know, because it's easy to
forget about them, you know but you really can't because you need good personnel and
you know, I'll say they usually gotten good personnel despite the pay but you know, it's
something that I think you're starting to see right now with the Chief Engineer's position,
they cannot find an engineer, you know.
Okabe: Well, I think in regards to the engineer position, because this is an appointed
position from the County, if a person decides to go and become the Director, you took
in an election that's only appointed at 4 years. If the person doesn't get reappointed
as the Mayor, then that person might be out. So if you're you know, coming in as a
Director of Public Works and you're young, and then you have to give up your position,
where you going to go? I can see that the transition from if you're a senior, and you're
ending your career you know, like you all know, you're going to retire from that position
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 33 OF 39
and finish. But, if you're a young engineer with a PE (Professional Engineer) license,
a person from Honolulu is not going to do that because they don't have security. So, in
this situation where you're looking at if that guy in Maui intending to make $400,000.00,
the Mayor is not making no $400,000.00 as the head of the County, right? So, a person
going into the Liquor Director is going to make more than any public employee of the
County, even the attorneys or the engineers, right? So, that's a little different situation.
Takase: Yes, so you folks could say we could have the best Director, we offered the
most and we could actually afford it, but I would say that's probably not going to happen.
Okabe: If after we go into this executive session, and then we find that nobody wants
to apply, then we have to open it up and the reason might be, that their salary is too low.
Then when you justify this salary thing, you can increase it, but I don't think that's going
to be a problem.
Takase: And if you go that route, then you're going to have to go through the Salary
Commission.
Okabe: Yes.
Greenwell: Gerald, how many people are in the County Auditor's office?
Takase: I don't know.
Okabe: Not that many.
Greenwell: A guess?
Takase: Less than 10, 1 would say.
Greenwell: You mean to tell me that their salary is the same as many of these other
departments that have to face the public with many other workers? To me, the County
Auditor's salary is excessive when you compare it to some of these other departments
that have to face the public and have 20 people working under them.
Takase: I'll try to put something together, I guess that's the only part I think I would kind
of look to you guys to help provide some input.
Okabe: But in context of what Commissioner Greenwell is saying, it is in a way relevant
because you're talking about the scope and responsibilities of the Director in regards to
all the departments within the County, and it's going to include also how many
employees, responsibilities, and job description. So, it is in a sense to me, it is relevant
in regards to salaries, and we would have to address that, so when I attend the Chair's
meeting on October 18t", I'm sure they might be bringing those kinds of things up
because you know, once you got to go to the Salary Commission, it's going to be
another thing.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 34 OF 39
Takase: Well, your meeting I understand is primarily just for training for Sunshine Law
things, but like I said, I think Wil sits in a kind of unique position because he was the
Managing Director, so he had to, whether he did deal with it, he had to answer all these
kind of questions. Okay, I think that's enough on this one, move on to Item No. 9.
9. Reminder Regarding Sunshine Law, Not to Discuss Commission
Business While at Events (10:51AM)
Wong: If I may, Deputy Corporation Counsel Keyra Wong, with respect to agenda Item
No. 9, reminder regarding Sunshine Law, not to discuss Commission business while at
events, this really is just a reminder that was you know, reiterated in the auditor's report
for the Liquor Department, Liquor Adjudication Board, Liquor Commission, because
there is a training coming up, and how many are going, everybody?
Okabe: No, only the Chair and the Vice Chair.
Wong: Oh okay, so it's just a reminder not to talk about Board business, right? Which
is the business of this Commission between yourselves and commit to a vote, you
cannot do that. I'll just stop there because only you two guys are going, but it is a
reminder that you know, we need to make.
Takase: No, it's good because you folks are all going to the State conference, so I think
we'll have better things to discuss than Commission business there, but you know that
was one of the criticisms about us, that we took and were allowing too many people to
go to the meetings, there was a threat of discussing Commission business.
Wong: But you know, it's really self -policing, right? And you guys know not to discuss
Board business with other Commissioners, and those are matters that may or are going
to come in front of you in the future. So, just be mindful of that you know, because
there's going to be other people around, other people going listen when you think
they're not listening. But, if you guys have any other specific questions, I can answer
them now or you can reach out to me separately.
NEXT ITEM WAS SKIPPED TO BE TAKEN A T THE END OF THE A GENDA
VII. Unfinished Business (10:54 AM)
2. Referral for Executive Session, Selection Process for the New Director
of the Department of Liquor Control, Deputy Corporation Counsel Keyra Wong,
requesting an attorney -client confidential discussion to consult with the Commission
regarding the above matter.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 35 OF 39
The Commission anticipates convening an executive meeting pursuant to
Section 92-5(a)(4) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended, for the purpose
of consulting with the Commission's attorney on questions and issues pertaining
to the Commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities.
A 2/3 vote of the members present is necessary to hold an executive meeting,
pursuant to Section 92-4(a) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended.
Takase: Did we send the questions to them?
Wong: The interview questions?
Takase: Yes.
Wong: I've never had anything to add.
Takase: We didn't give it to them yet?
Okabe: No.
Wong: We can give them now.
Takase: Okay, we can just stay in, I don't think we're going to go into executive
session. Why don't we just try to set a framework, Keyra will get you the questions
and you guys can take a look at them to see if it's fine. If it's fine, I'm thinking instead
of trying to do it at a regular Commission meeting, why don't we set a separate date?
There's going to be 3 applicants, so Stacie, and my 2 supervising investigators, Steve
Frendo, and Andrew Kouchi. So, we'll get their packets all to you, yesterday was the
deadline or the day before. So, maybe if we can just set up a timeline for what we want
to do, I think that's all we need to accomplish today.
Okabe: So, we don't have to go executive session?
Takase: Yeah, because we're just gonna discuss the timeline. Come up Steve.
Steve is going to be our new Commissioner from Hamakua, he lives in Honoka`a.
He is intimately familiar with our Department as he was previously the Administrative
Officer for the Department.
Morifuji: Under Gerald.
Takase: How long ago now?
Morifuji: It must be about 7 years now.
Takase: Yeah, so nothing current but you know, he's familiar with the rules and we
haven't changed that much. Wanted to welcome him on board so he'll be up to speed.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 36 OF 39
Morifuji: That was 7 years ago, I don't know if I'll be up to speed right away.
Takase: So, I don't know if you guys have any questions, his previous employment,
he worked for Mauna Lani and Del Monte, and he was working for Parks and
Recreation until he saw the light.
Morifuji: Too many complaints at Parks and Recreation.
Takase: So, Keyra will get you guys the questions, go through them and see if you
guys wanna change, and you can kind of read through them because I think the way
they previously did it, every Commissioner got to ask a question so nobody felt left out.
But you can kind of, as you go through them, you're gonna kind of realize that some
of them are worded a little awkwardly, so you can kind of make small changes. And
they're more questions to just draw out the conversation rather than you know, there's
a specific answer for them.
Nishimoto: Open-ended questions.
Takase: Yes, but actually I do want to try to pick a date maybe in November.
Morifuji: Are they weighted questions?
Takase: No, because there's no right or wrong answer to them.
Greenwell: Gerald, so are you going to have an email out to us, or are we going to
have another meeting between now and November?
Takase: No, because we're kind of busy in October, so it's probably kind of looking in
November if there's a date.
Ventura: Yes, I rather do it separately from a regular meeting.
Nishimoto: So wait, what are we meeting for?
Okabe: Applicants.
Takase: Yeah, so it's to interview the applicants and decide.
Nishimoto: For the interviews, okay.
Takase: So, let's set it after the, we're kind of short in November but there's a day.
Nishimoto: There's a holiday on the 11t", so somewhere between that and
Thanksgiving.
Takase: Yes.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 37 OF 39
Nishimoto: Are we looking at weekday or weekend?
Wong: Got to be weekday.
Nishimoto: Okay.
Greenwell: Why?
Wong: Because got to be open to the public.
Taniguchi: Wait, did you check on that?
Wong: I did.
Takase: Actually, it's not open to the public.
Wong: What?
Takase: They're going to interview in executive session.
Wong: Yes, so maybe we should go into executive session so I can tell you guys more
about that, what I researched if you guys want to.
Okabe: Okay, so we want to go into executive session, then?
Greenwell: I will make the motion to enter into executive session.
Okabe: Need a second.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to enter into executive
session; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Okabe: Any discussion?
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, OCTOBER 2, 2025 - KONA PAGE 38 OF 39
i
III III! iq!11�1111
1111 A 11�,11 ., . I, i, I, I I , , .
LiquorWong: Pursuant to Section 92-4, the !
discuss the interview and deliberation process for the candidates for the Directorship
position, and the Commission also set a Special Meeting date for November 18 th 1 2025;
at 10:00 a.m. in Hilo. Thank you.
X. Announcements (11:29 AM-N
III
Lagoon
November 6, 2025, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor
Control, Hilo Centre,
"'Room, Department
Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, a
tkabe: And Special Meeting on November 18th, in Hilo, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
1101,,, "
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Director
The October 2,, 2025 meeting minutes were approved as circulated, via email on
October 30, 2025, by the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawaii on November 6, 2025.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY OCTOBER Z 2025 - KONA PAGE 39 OF 39