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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-06 Liquor Commission Minutes HiloCOUNTY OF HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES — NOVEMBER 6, 2025 HILO LAGOON CENTRE 101 AU PU N I STREET, UNIT 230 H I LO, HAWAI `I I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Okabe at 10:00 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 Steve Morifuji, Commissioner Gene Nakashima, Commissioner Laurisa Nishimoto, Commissioner Alan Okamoto, Commissioner Jennifer Yadao, Commissioner Absent and Excused: Arthur Taniguchi, Commissioner Melvin Ventura, Commissioner Others Present: Gerald Takase, Director Brandon Gonzalez, Administrative Officer Cameron Takamura, Deputy Corporation Counsel Sinclair Salas Ferguson, 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 this room do not amplify your voice but only record what is being said, so to speak loud, clear, and one at a time so the recording is understandable. We will now do a roll call, please say present when your name is called. Sayles: Vice Chair Greenwell. Greenwell: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Morifuji. Morifuji: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Nakashima. Nakashima: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Nishimoto. Nishimoto: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Okamoto. Okamoto: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Yadao. Yadao: Present. Sayles: Chair Okabe. Okabe: Present. Sayles: Absent and excused today are Commissioner Taniguchi and Commissioner Ventura. Others present are Director Gerald Takase, Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez, Deputy Corporation Counsel Cameron Takamura, Licensing Officer Stacie Waltjen, Licensing Technician Zoe Bertelmann, and Commission Secretary Hau`oli Sayles. II. Approval of Minutes —Regular Meeting, October 2, 2025 (10:01AM) Executive Session, October 2, 2025 Okabe: The October 2, 2025, regular meeting minutes were circulated via email on October 30, 2025. Can I entertain a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes as circulated? Greenwell: I'll make the motion, this is Greenwell. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the October 2, 2025, Liquor Commission meeting minutes as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: Moved and seconded, is there any discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 2 OF 52 Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor to approve the minutes please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Okabe: The October 2, 2025, executive session minutes were circulated via email on October 30, 2025. Can I get a motion to approve the executive session minutes as circulated? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the October 2, 2025, Liquor Commission executive session minutes as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: Moved and seconded, 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, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 3 OF 52 III. Approval of Addendum and/or Supplemental Agenda (10:02 AM) Okabe: There is no addendum and supplemental agenda. IV. Public Statements on Agenda Items (10:02 AM) Okabe: Any statements from members of the public at this time? There were no statements from members of the public. V. Public Hearings —None (10:02 AM) Okabe: There are no Public Hearings. VI. Preliminary Hearings (10:02 AM) 1. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:02 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 25-07 S. Tokunaga Store, Inc. The Bunker Hilo 26 Hoku Street Hilo, Hawaii 2-2-016:029 Original Retail General liquor license Representing applicant: Mykala Tokunaga, Co-owner. Tokunaga: Good morning everybody, my name is Mykala Tokunaga, and I'm here on behalf of The Bunker Hilo, a new division of our family business, S. Tokunaga Store. The Bunker Hilo is currently not open yet but will be a golf simulator and retail space. Our goal is to provide a modern and engaging place for local golf enthusiasts and those new to the sport. We'll be offering hourly simulator rentals for customers playing various golf courses, or those who just want to hit balls like they're at the golf range. The retail part will include a curated selection of golf apparel and accessories, and with your approval we plan to serve alcoholic beverages responsibly. This project is separate from the main S. Tokunaga Store in a different location, and is focused on bringing something new and positive to Hilo, a social and recreational space centered around the growing popularity of golf simulators. As there isn't currently anything like this in our area, we hope that this new business will help and add value to this community. I'm happy to answer any questions and thank you very much for your time and consideration. Okabe: Have you received the application report? Tokunaga: Yes. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 4 OF 52 Okabe: Do you have any changes to the report? Tokunaga: The only thing is that we just submitted a plan approval to the Planning Department and still haven't heard back yet. Okabe: Is there any public testimony in regards to The Bunker Hilo? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, do you have any questions or discussions on this? Morifuji: Yes, I do. I noticed on the report from the Licensing Technician that the lease is forthcoming. Tokunaga: Yes, the lease is actually, so it's a company called Base Inc., which is made up of my parents and two other families who own the property. So, basically we came up with a lease that's basically saying that we're renting it from ourselves, S. Tokunaga Store is renting it from Base Inc., so yeah. Morifuji: Thank you. Okabe: Any other questions, Commissioners? Nishimoto: I don't have a question, but I have a comment, that was very well prepared. Tokunaga: Thank you. Okabe: I'd like to entertain a motion to approve or deny Application No. 25-07? If approved, public hearing to be held on January 8, 2026, in Hilo. Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, move to approve Application No. 25-07. If approved, public hearing to be held January 8, 2026, in Hilo. Okabe: Can I have a second? Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application No. 25-07, S. Tokunaga Store, Inc., dba The Bunker Hilo, for an Original Retail General liquor license, located at 26 Hoku Street Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-2-016:029, with public hearing to be held on January 8, 2026, in Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Discussion to the motion? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 5 OF 52 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. 2. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:05 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TM K: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 25-08 Kona Biscuit Company, Inc. Kona Biscuit Co. Queens' Marketplace, 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Suite H 1-4, Waikoloa, Hawaii 6-9-008:017 Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B 1 Representing applicant: Matthew Dinger, Philip Doyle Dinger, Melanie Frasier, and Bill Davis, Co -owners. Okabe: Can you please state your name and the relationship to the business. Doyle Dinger: Yes, good morning, my name is Philip Doyle Dinger, I am a Director and Secretary, and I'm joined by Melanie Frasier, who is our President, Treasurer, and Director, there's four owners total. We're also joined by Matthew Dinger, who is a Director, and then Bill Davis who is also a co-owner, Director. So, we are a full -service restaurant focusing on breakfast and brunch from 6:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m., and then we'll be doing a higher end dinner from 5:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday. So, we're located in the Waikoloa resort area and we feel that it's a really good opportunity for us to provide a breakfast and brunch offering in the area, there's nothing really dedicated like that in the area. So we've hired our executive chef, we'll have a very exciting menu, biscuit -based menu made from scratch. We'll also have a full service bar offering mimosas, beer, liquor, wine. And we're doing our build out right now, we've signed a 10-year lease with the property management company, Alexander & Baldwin, at the Queens Marketplace. And yeah, that's pretty much it, we're very excited about it, we're doing our build -out, we are nearing I'd say, we're about a month out from having our kitchen equipment all installed, and the bar installed, and so it's progressing. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 6 OF 52 Okabe: Okay, have you received the application report? Doyle Dinger: Yes. Okabe: Are there any changes to the report? Doyle Dinger: There's only one small change to the Personal History Affidavit for Matthew, his percentage shareholding in the company was omitted in error, it's actually been updated to reflect 25%, so that's the only change that we have. Okabe: Any public testimony? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Commission, is there any discussion or questions? Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, is this the old Sansei's? Doyle Dinger: It is, yes. Okabe: Any other questions? Takase: What kind of menu do you have? Frasier: So, we're going to do a breakfast brunch menu during the day, so there'll be biscuits, omelets, all scratch made. We're going with local sourcing, so we're trying to use as much as we possibly can to support our local farmers, our local anybody that we can get in there. And then in the evening time, kind of changing it over a little bit to bring in a little bit more high -end, which we feel in the area is a little bit, it can use it and obviously you can use breakfast and brunch, there just really isn't any. At night we're going to be using local sourced meats from our local ranchers and doing steaks, fresh fish, things like that. Takase: Thank you. Frasier: You're welcome. Okabe: Any other questions? There was no further discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Okay, I'd like to entertain a motion to approve or deny Application No. 25-08? If approved, the public hearing to be held on January 8, 2026, in Hilo. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, move to approve Application No. 25-08. If approved, public hearing to be held on January 8, 2026, in Hilo. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 7 OF 52 Okabe: Can I have a second? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the second. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application No. 25-08, Kona Biscuit Company, Inc., dba Kona Biscuit Co., for an Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at the Queens' Marketplace, 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Suite H1-4, Waikoloa, Hawaii, TMK: 6-9-008:017, with public hearing to be held on January 8, 2026, in Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. 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. Okabe: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. VII. Unfinished Business (10: 10 AM) 1. Referral for Executive Session, Regarding the Selection Process for the New Director of the Department of Liquor Control The Commission anticipates convening an executive meeting pursuant to Sections 92-4 and 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, as it relates to determining the selection process for the new Director of the Department of Liquor Control. 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 Statues, as amended. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 8 OF 52 VIII. New Business (10:10AM) Okabe: Commissioner Greenwell? Greenwell: Mr. Chair I'd like to recuse myself because of personal reasons on this item. 1. Request to Extend the Time for Issuance of License Submitted for Approval (10:10 AM) a. Nine Brains Big Island I, LLC, dba Pacific 19, RE: Application No. 23-38, requesting to extend the time for issuance of the liquor license for good cause shown for an additional 12 months from October 3, 2025, to and including October 3, 2026, by letter received October 24, 2025, of its Hotel liquor license, located at 75-5646 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona, 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? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, I'll make the motion to approve with good cause, being that they need additional time as they received additional requests for documentation that is required by the Department of Public Works. Okamoto: Okamoto, second. Commissioner Nishimoto 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 3, 2025, to and including October 3, 2026, by letter received October 24, 2025, of its Hotel liquor license, located at 75-5646 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Okamoto. Okabe: Moved and seconded, discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Okay, hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 9 OF 52 There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. 2. Change in Directors/Members/Officers Submitted for Approval (10:12 AM) a. Hawaiian Ola Brewing Corporation, dba Ola Brew Co., approval of Change in Directors as follows: • Removal of Elijah Scanlan, and John Hays, Directors, effective March 20, 2023; • Appointment of Richard White, Christopher Sandy, and Kristofer Jacobson, as Directors, effective March 20, 2023; • Removal of Christopher Sandy, and Kristofer Jacobson, Directors, effective July 12, 2024; • Appointment of Vernon Oi, and Adon Panattoni, as Directors, effective July 12, 2024; • Personal History and Affidavits for Richard White, Vernon Oi, and Adon Panattoni, Directors; by forms received July 15, 2025; of its Small Craft Producer Pub liquor licenses, Category B1, located at 74-5598 Luhia Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 1177 Kilauea Avenue, and 26-238 Hawaii Belt Road, Hilo, Hawaii; Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 10 OF 52 Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Change in Directors as follows: Removal of Elijah Scanlan, and John Hays, Directors, effective March 20, 2023; Appointment of Richard White, Christopher Sandy, and Kristofer Jacobson, as Directors, effective March 20, 2023; Removal of Christopher Sandy, and Kristofer Jacobson, Directors, effective July 12, 2024; Appointment of Vernon Oi, and Adon Panattoni, as Directors, effective July 12, 2024; Personal History and Affidavits for Richard White, Vernon Oi, and Adon Panattoni, Directors; by forms received July 15, 2025; of its Small Craft Producer Pub liquor licenses, Category B1, located at 74-5598 Luhia Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 1177 Kilauea Avenue, and 26-238 Hawaii Belt Road, Hilo, Hawaii; 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: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 11 OF 52 b. Ulu Development LLC, dba Magics Beach Grill, approval of Change in Members, Application for Transfer of Membership Interest, (10:13 AM) and Change in Business Entity Name as follows: • Removal Mattson Davis, Member; • Appointment of Thyme Away Holdings LLC, as Member; • Appointment of Ulu II Development, LLC, as Member; • Transfer of 100% Membership Interest from Mattson Davis, Member, to Thyme Away Holdings LLC, Member (49%); and Ulu I I Development, LLC, Member (51 %); • Change in Business Entity Name, from Ulu Development LLC, to Malolo Hospitality, LLC; • Personal History and Affidavit for Brian Christman, Member, Thyme Away Holdings LLC; effective October 1, 2025) by forms received October 14, 2025; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at the Kona Magic Sands, 77-6452 Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Okabe: Can I have a motion to approve? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, move to approve. Okabe: Can I have a second? Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve the Change in Members, Application for Transfer of Membership Interest, and Change in Business Entity Name as follows: Removal Mattson Davis, Member; Appointment of Thyme Away Holdings LLC, as Member; Appointment of Ulu II Development, LLC, as Member; Transfer of 100% Membership Interest from Mattson Davis, Member, to Thyme Away Holdings LLC, Member (49%); and Ulu II Development, LLC, Member (51%); Change in Business Entity Name, from Ulu Development LLC, to Malolo Hospitality, LLC; Personal History and Affidavit for Brian Christman, Member, Thyme Away Holdings LLC; effective October 1, 2025, by forms received October 14, 2025; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at the Kona Magic Sands, 77-6452 Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Moved and seconded, discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 12 OF 52 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. C. Outrigger Kona Resort LLC, dba Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, approval of Change in Officers as follows: (10: 14 AM) • Removal of Shari Fujita, Vice President and Treasurer, effective August 1, 2025; • Appointment of Alexandra Ivanova, as Vice President and Treasurer, effective September 8, 2025; • Personal History and Affidavit for Alexandra Ivanova, Vice President and Treasurer; by forms received October 30, 2025; of its Hotel liquor license, located at 78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Okabe: Can I entertain a motion to approve? Greenwell: Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Change in Officers as follows: Removal of Shari Fujita, Vice President and Treasurer, effective August 1, 2025; Appointment of Alexandra Ivanova, as Vice President and Treasurer, effective September 8, 2025; Personal History and Affidavit for Alexandra Ivanova, Vice President and Treasurer; by forms received October 30, 2025; of its Hotel liquor license, located at 78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: Moved and seconded, discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 13 OF 52 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. 3. Permits Issued for Ratification (10:14 AM) a. Mauna Kea Resort LLC, dba Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, ratification of Application for Alteration Permits as follows: • Renovation to Beach Wing 1st Floor, 25,796 square feet; • Renovation to Beach Wing 2nd Floor, 28,522 square feet; • Renovation to Beach Wing 3rd Floor, 27,161 square feet; • Renovation to Beach Wing 4th Floor, 22,665 square feet; • Addition of Hotel Spa, 20,857 square feet; • Covert Garden Room to Fitness Center, 14,083 square feet; • Alteration to Hotel Main Pool, 9,091 square feet; • Alterations to Hau Tree Restaurant Kitchen, 2,284 square feet; • Exterior improvements to include parking lot, 89,895 square feet; approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on September 30, 2025; of its Hotel liquor license, located at 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kamuela, Hawaii. b. One Spot Hawaii LLC, dba One Spot (Retail), ratification of Application for Entertainment Permit, for an event on September 27, 2025, approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on September 11, 2025, of its Retail General liquor license, located at 28-2903 Hawai'i Belt Road, Pepe'ekeo, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 14 OF 52 C. Christopher Camero Memorial VFW Post 12122, dba VFW Post 12122, ratification of Application for Game Permits, for an event on October 16, 2025; and events from October 1-31, 2025; approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on September 29, 2025; and for an event on November 20, 2025, approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on October 27, 2025; and for events from November 1-30, 2025; approved by Director Gerald Takase on October 30, 2025; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 74-5543 Kaiwi Street, Suite 3-A185a and 3-A185b, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. d. Volcano Vineyards, LLC, dba Volcano Winery, ratification of Application for Entertainment Permit, for an event on October 25, 2025, approved by Director Gerald Takase on October 24, 2025; of its Winery liquor license, Category A, located at the Volcano Golf Course Subdivision, 35 Pi`i Mauna Drive, Volcano, Hawaii. Okabe: Can I please have a motion to ratify? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, motion to ratify. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Permits Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 3(a) through 3(d), as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: Moved and seconded, is there any discussion to these items? 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, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 15 OF 52 4. Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification (10:15 AM) a. One Spot Hawaii LLC, dba One Spot (Dispenser), ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on September 27, 2025, approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on September 11, 2025, of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B1, located at 28-2903 Hawai'i Belt Road, Pepe'ekeo, Hawaii. b. KBXtreme, LLC, dba KBXtreme, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on October 4, 2025, approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on September 26, 2025, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 75-5591 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. C. Berj Corporation, dba My Bar, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on October 25, 2025) approved by Licensing Officer Stacie Waltjen on October 9, 2025; and for an event on October 31, 2025, approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on October 8, 2025; of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2, located at the Luhia Center I, 74-5606 Luhia Street, Spaces Al, A2, A3 and A413, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. d. JTJ Enterprises, Inc., dba Quinn's, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on October 11, 2025, approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on September 30, 2025; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 75-5655 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. e. Honokaa Public House LLC, dba Honokaa Public House, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on October 11, 2025, approved by Director Gerald Takase on October 3, 2025; and for events on November 8, and November 22, 2025, approved by Licensing Officer Stacie Waltjen on October 23, 2025; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 45-3490 Mamane Street, Units G & F, Honoka`a, Hawaii. f. Napua Hilo LLC, dba Lehua Restaurant at Imiloa, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on October 17, 2025, approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on October 17, 2025; and for an event on October 25, 2025, approved by Licensing Officer Stacie Waltjen on October 23, 2025; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 600 Imiloa Place, Hilo, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 16 OF 52 g. Kuleana Spirits, Inc., dba Kuleana Rum Shack, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on October 23, 2025, approved by Licensing Officer Stacie Waltjen on October 23, 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. h. Big Hitter Enterprises, LLC, dba Willie's Hot Chicken, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on October 25, 2025, approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on October 24, 2025; and for an event on November 8, 2025, approved by Director Gerald Takase on October 29, 2025, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 75-5599 Pawai Place, Bays 1 & 2, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Okabe: Can I have a motion to ratify? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, move to ratify. Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to ratify Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 4(a) through 4(h), as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Discussion to the motion? Morifuji: I have a question. On the application for One Spot Hawaii, I noticed the permit was received in the office on July 15t", and this may just be a typo but the date of the event is September, so I don't know how that works, maybe it's a typo. Okabe: Gerald or the staff? Waltjen: She just submitted it early. Morifuji: Thank you. Waltjen: You're welcome. Okabe: Any other questions? Takamura: Sorry, Chair. Okabe: Yes? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 17 OF 52 Takamura: Before we move onto voting, can you please ask for public testimony for the items? Okabe: Okay. Do we have any public testimony for this item? There was no public testimony. Gonzalez: Let the record reflect there's no one from the public present in the hearing room any more. Okabe: Okay, 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. 5. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification (10: 16 AM) a. License No. SP-25-045, Hawaii Ag and Culinary Alliance, dba Hawaii Ag and Culinary Alliance, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on October 18, 2025, held at the Mauna Kea Golf Course, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Waimea, Hawaii. b. License No. SP-25-046, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba Kahilu Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on October 5, 11-12, 16-19, 24 & 30, 2025, held at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii. C. License No. SP-25-047, Pahoa Lava Zone Museum, dba Pahoa Lava Zone Museum, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on October 25, 2025, held at the Maku`u Farmers Market, 15-2131 Kea`au-Pahoa Road, Pahoa, Hawai`li. d. License No. SP-25-048, Ku`ikahi Mediation Center, dba Ku`ikahi Mediation Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on November 16, 2025, held at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Drive, Hilo, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 18 OF 52 e. License No. SP-25-049, Knights of Columbus Council No. 13227 St. Michael the Archangel, dba Knights of Columbus Council No. 13227 St. Michael the Archangel, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on October 25, 2025, held at 75-5769 Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. f. License No. SP-25-050, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii, dba Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on October 19, 2025, held at the Sanga Hall, 424 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii. g. License No. SP-25-051, Democratic Party of Hawaii - Hawai`i County Committee, dba Democratic Party of Hawaii - Hawai`i County Committee, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on October 17, 2025, held at the Arc of Hilo, 1099 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii. h. License No. SP-25-052, Aloha Performing Arts Company, dba Aloha Theatre, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on October 10 & 17, 2025, held at the Aloha Theatre, 79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, Hawaii. i. License No. SP-25-053, Aloha Performing Arts Company, dba Aloha Theatre, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on October 24 - 26, 31; November 1 - 2, 2025, held at the Aloha Theatre, 79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, Hawaii. j. License No. SP-25-054, The Friends of the Palace Theater, dba The Friends of the Palace Theater, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on October 10 - 12, 17 - 19, 2025, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. k. License No. SP-25-055, Habitat for Humanity Hawaii Island, dba Habitat for Humanity Hawaii Island, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on November 1, 2025, held at73-4161 Ulu Wini Place, Bay 1, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. I. License No. SP-25-056, Hawaii Artist Collaboration, dba Hawaii Artist Collaboration, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on November 8, 2025, held at the West Hawaii Community Health Center, 74-5214 Keanalehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 19 OF 52 M. License No. SP-25-057, Laulima Nature Center, dba Laulima Nature Center, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on November 8, 2025, held at 18-1325 Old Volcano Road, Mountain View, Hawaii. n. License No. SP-25-058, Hilo Community Players, dba Hilo Community Players, for a Special General liquor license, for events on October 17 - 19, 22 - 25, 29 - 31, 2025, held at 280 Keawe Street, Hilo, Hawaii. o. License No. SP-25-059, Hilo Medical Center Foundation, dba Hilo Medical Center Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on November 2, 2025, held at the Hilo Yacht Club, 77 Laehala Street, Hilo, Hawaii. P. License No. SP-25-060, 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 October 23, 2025, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. q. License No. SP-25-061, 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 October 24, 2025, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. r. License No. SP-25-062, 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 October 25, 2025, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. S. License No. SP-25-063, 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 October 26, 2025, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. t. License No. SP-25-064, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba Kahilu Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on November 1, 8- 97 14-15, 19-20, 23 & 30, 2025, held at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii. U. License No. SP-25-065, Volcano Art Center, dba Volcano Art Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on November 8, 2025, held at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 20 OF 52 Okabe: Do I have a motion to ratify? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to ratify. Yadao: Yadao, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Special Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 5(a) through 5(u), License Nos. SP-25-045 through SP-25-065, as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Yadao. Okabe: Moved and seconded. Are there any public testimony? There was no public testimony. There were no members of the public present in the hearing room. Okabe: Hearing none. Any discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Let's move on to the vote, all 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. Takase: Cameron, didn't we ask at the very beginning if there's any public testimony for any agenda item? Takamura: Yeah but you can't limit it to just at the beginning now, so it has to be for each item before a vote happens, you have to ask for public testimony. Okabe: Okay, no problem. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 21 OF 52 NEXT TWO ITEMS WERE TAKEN AT ONCE 6. Memorandum dated October 14, 2025, from Stacie Waltjen, Licensing Officer. Reporting about the meetings, sessions, business, and benefits (10: 18 AM) of attending the NCSLA (National Conference of State Liquor Administrators) Northern/Southern Regional Conference, September 14 - 16, 2025, Buffalo, New York 7. Memorandum dated October 27, 2025, from Zoeann Bertelmann, Licensing Technician. Reporting about the meetings, sessions, business, and benefits of attending the NCSLA (National Conference of State Liquor Administrators) Central/Western Regional Conference, October 5 - 7, 2025, Rapid City, South Dakota Okabe: Any comments or discussions on these two items from the Commission? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none. Any public testimony on these two items? There was no public testimony. There were no members of the public present in the hearing room. Okabe: Hearing none. VII. Unfinished Business (10: 19 AM) 1. Referral for Executive Session, Regarding the Selection Process for the New Director of the Department of Liquor Control The Commission anticipates convening an executive meeting pursuant to Sections 92-4 and 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, as it relates to determining the selection process for the new Director of the Department of Liquor Control. 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 Statues, as amended. Okabe: Can I entertain a motion to enter into executive session? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 22 OF 52 Takase: Let's see if we got to go into executive session, I think the only thing we're doing today is picking a date for the interviews. Takamura: They also requested a legal opinion, too. Takase: Oh, okay. Takamura: And then same thing Okabe: I have to ask for public testimony to go into executive session? Takamura: So, you always have to ask for public testimony even for executive session items, even though they can't attend, they have the right to testify. Okabe: Okay, do I have any public testimony in regards to going into executive session from the public? There was no public testimony. There were no members of the public present in the hearing room. Takamura: Or on the executive session item itself as well. Okabe: Oh, also for the executive session item? Takamura: Yes so it's on both. Okabe: Hearing none. Let's move on to a motion from the Commissioners to enter executive session. Greenwell: Okay, this is Greenwell, I'll make a motion to enter the executive session. Takamura: Sorry, can you also in your motion recite the basis too, so it'd be what's stated on here, if you could just include that in your motion. Greenwell: Regarding the selection process for the new Director of the Department of Liquor Control. Takamura: Yes, so it would be pursuant to HRS (Hawai'i Revised Statutes) 92-4 and 92-5(a)(4). Greenwell: You want me to read the whole thing? Takamura: No, as long as you can say Gonzalez: Just say, "As stated in the agenda", and then you're covered. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 23 OF 52 Greenwell: As stated in the agenda. Gonzalez: Perfect, you make your motion according to that, yes. Greenwell: I move to go into executive session as stated in the agenda. Takamura: Okay, I think you made the motion, so we just need a second. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to enter into executive session; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Okabe: Discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor to go into executive session, 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. RECESSED AT 10: 21 AM - COMMISSION ENTERED EXECUTIVE SESSION LIQUOR COMMISSION WAS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION RECONVENED AT 11: 20 AM - COMMISSION EXITED EXECUTIVE SESSION Okabe: We are back into open session. Takamura: If no executive session is foreseen for the rest of the items, I can do the executive session report for this executive session. Okabe: Yes. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 24 OF 52 Takamura: Okay, are you back on the open session record, Hau`oli? Sayles: Yes. Takamura: Okay, so an executive session was held pursuant to HRS (Hawai'i Revised Statutes) 92-4 and 92-5(a)(4) for the purpose of the Commission consulting with their attorney regarding the selection process and how it implicates their powers, duties, immunities and liabilities. There's no final action taken and the discussion is not subject to disclosure pursuant to HRS (Hawai'i Revised Statutes) 92-4(b), as it would frustrate the purpose of the executive session. Okay, now you can move on to your open session item. Okabe: Okay, so first of all let's move to, should we set the date first, or you guys want to go over questions, what you guys want to do? We can go over the date because we have two Commissioners not here, Gerald said he has some dates that Taniguchi and Ventura has, but we have to look at our schedule and see if we can make it. Takase: Okay, so I was kind of looking in December already because we're kind of running out of dates in November, but we can still look at November but as far as December dates, Melvin said he's gone from the 5t" - 12t" and also on the 17t". And I think you're not coming back until the 5t"? Okabe: So those are not the dates I'll be able to do it that Melvin says, I'm going to be out too, I'm going to be here but Mel's going to be out. Takase: Okay, so I guess we're looking at, well let's say the week of the 17t". How about the 15t" of December? Greenwell: You not going be here? Okabe: Nope. Takase: When are you not going to be here? Okabe: I'm going to be gone, I'm gonna go on a trip to Japan. So, the time that Melvin is not here, I'm going to be here. Takase: So, the 15t" is okay? Okabe: 15t", no I'm going to go to, let me see, I'm coming back from Honolulu to Hilo on the 15th. Then, I'm going to go on the 17t", so I'll be here on the 15t" and the 16t". Nishimoto: Here or Honolulu? Okabe: Here in Hilo. Nishimoto: On the 15t" . MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 25 OF 52 Okabe: And 16t" Nishimoto: You said you coming back on the 15t" . Okabe: Yeah, I'm coming back the first flight if it's in December, but what about the rest of us? N ish i moto: I'm just not here on the 19t" Okabe: Me too, I'm in Japan. What about you, Gene? Nakashima: I'm good. Okabe: Greenwell can go, you're good? Jennifer? Yadao: Yes. Okabe: Steve? We're talking about the 15t" and 16t" of December? Morifuji: Yeah, no problem. Okabe: This is for the special meeting, yeah. Takase: Okay, let's set it for the 15t" Okabe: So, everybody is okay with the 15t"? Okay, let's set a time now, 10:00 a.m.? Everybody, so Melvin and Art can go? Takase: Yes. Okabe: Okay, so can I have a motion to have the special meeting for the interviews on December the 15t" at 10:00 a.m., here? Greenwell: Monday the 15t". Okabe: Monday. Okay, so I need a motion and then we can go with that. Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion then, December 15t", Monday, 10:00 a.m., here in Hilo. Okabe: Need a second. Okamoto: Okamoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to set the date for the Special Meeting for Monday, December 15, 20259 10:00 a.m. in Hilo; Seconded by Commissioner Okamoto. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 26 OF 52 Okabe: Discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Any public testimony in regards to this date for a special meeting for interviews for the new Director of Liquor Control? There was no public testimony. There were no members of the public present in the hearing room. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Takamura: For the record can we please note that there's no responses for this one. Okabe: Are we going to break for lunch? Takase: Yes. Okabe: So, we're going to have one after lunch, then? 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., break for lunch, and then come back with the last one, right? Nakashima: Or just go through lunch. Takase: Yes, we can have lunch afterwards. Okabe: We can do that, but will we be able to do the interviews and make the selection that day too? Takamura: That's what you guys are voting on now, how you guys wanna conduct the interview process. Nishimoto: What if we just started at 9:00 a.m., and then go 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and then break? Nakashima: That's fine. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 27 OF 52 Nishimoto: I mean because it's either come early or stay late. Nakashima: Amend the time? Takase: So, 9:00 a.m.? Nishimoto: I don't know, I just I think it might be easier to just get an earlier start, and do three of them before lunch, 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. And then we do our discussion or whatever we need to do. Greenwell: Okay, I need to change my motion then? Takamura: It'll just be a new motion to amend the time. Nishimoto: Do you guys agree? I'd like to make a motion to amend the start time to 9:00 a.m. Okabe: Yes, is there a second to the amendment? Greenwell: Do I have retract mine? Takamura: No, it's okay, we can just do this motion to amend it. Greenwell: So, 9:00 a.m. Takamura: We're gonna need a second. Okamoto: Okamoto, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to AMEND the time of the Special Meeting to 9:00 a.m.; Seconded by Commissioner Okamoto. Okabe: Discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is to start the meeting amended to 9:00 a.m. on the 15t", 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, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 28 OF 52 The motion was carried unanimously. Okabe: Okay, so next thing would be regarding the questions. So, when we get the questions, we have to decide, I think it was over 15 questions, yeah? Greenwell: 17. Okabe: 17 questions, so if we're taking all the questions, and how we're going to ask the questions. Takase: My recollection of how it went the last time, there were too many questions because at the end everybody's like, okay we kind of asked this already. But you know, they were tied to the script already, so you can whittle it down to nine questions, one for each person, and that's more than enough, and it doesn't have to be everybody has to ask a question. If people say they don't want to ask, you can pick somebody to ask them all. Nishimoto: Yes, I think we should pick one person to ask, keep it consistent, Mr. Chairman. Greenwell: So, what do you recommend? Nishimoto: That I not ask any questions. Takase: Well, why don't you decide that while you're waiting for the questions? Okabe: Well, let's look at the questions first and then decide what the questions are, and then we can decide on you know that. Nishimoto: And if we decide on multiple people asking questions, I feel that the same person should ask the same question to all three because it's consistent. Okabe: No. 1, is "What motivated you to apply for the County of Hawaii, Director of the Department of Liquor Control position?" Sounds good, right? Any objections to the first one? There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Okay, keep the first one. The second one, No. 2, "Are you prepared to commit the necessary time and effort to the job?" Nishimoto: Oh, I don't like that, that's a yes or no question, that's not an open-ended question. I'd rather see, "What are you able to contribute to this position?" I don't like No. 2. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 29 OF 52 Okabe: Anybody object to scratch No. 2? There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Okay, scratch it. No. 3, "If you're in our position, why would you hire you?" Nishimoto: Why would you hire you? Takase: "Why would we hire you?" Okabe: You want that one? Nishimoto: Yes. Okabe: Okay, any objections to that one? There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: No. 4, "What would you consider your strengths and weaknesses and what would you do to improve the areas that are not your strengths?" There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: No. 4, we keep that. No. 5, "If hired, what do you perceive are your obligations as a Director?" That's a good one. There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: No. 6, "What are your priorities as soon as you become Director, and what things would you hope to accomplish in the first year?" That's good, do you like that, everybody likes it? There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: No. 7, "What would you like to see as your legacy as a Director?" Greenwell: Strike like, we're not worried about legacy. There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: No. 8, "Can you provide for us at least two goals that you want to set as a Department, and what are your plans to achieve those goals?" MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 30 OF 52 There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Okay, keep that. No. 9, "What is the best way to motivate an employee and why do you believe this method is effective?" So, you're asking for like a management question, right? You guys want that? There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Okay, keep that. No. 10, "Can you describe the most effective techniques you've used to encourage full participation by every member of your team?" Nishimoto: That's kind of like No. 9. Okabe: Okay, scratch that one. No. 11, "Tell me about a time when a team you were on got stalled and did not function effectively?" Nishimoto: That's problem -solving, that's good. Okabe: That's good? There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: No. 12, "As Director of the Department of Liquor Control, it would be important to stay current in changes in government oversight, the industry and the marketplace. What actions would you take to stay informed and involved and what role does the Commission have in the scheme of things?" Nishimoto: I like the first part of that question. Is there value in that second part of the question about the Commission? Takase: I'll tell you what, I took it to mean that they wanted to get involved in the educational portion of it. So, prior to my coming in, Commissioners never traveled, we made a concerted effort to. Nishimoto: Okay, I get it. Takase: But now that might also be out of our hands. Nishimoto: Okay. Okabe: So, you guys want that, No. 12? Keep that one? There was no opposition by Commissioners. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 31 OF 52 Okabe: No. 13, "While we are called the Department of Liquor Control, the scope of our enforcement is possibly expanding to include matters such as tobacco, marijuana, and ensuring tax and regulatory compliance. Do you feel that expansion in this scope is appropriate or inappropriate, and why? Nishimoto: It's important. Morifuji: Well, I would keep it. Okabe: Keep it? Morifuji: I bet you it's moving that way. Okabe: Okay. There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: No. 14, "The Department presently participates in many youth and community programs related to underage drinking prevention, how would you maintain these programs?" Greenwell: I don't know that they can foresee the future, so I don't know how they would maintain them, but I think that they would be expected to. Nishimoto: What if instead of saying, "How you maintain?" It would be like, "What are some of your ideas to be involved or keep, you know, this program going?" Or you know like, maintain because it might want to grow from what we have. Maintain is to keep what we have, ideas for the future would be more important? Greenwell: Well, the next question talks about that, "What kind of programs would you implement, perpetuate Nishimoto: Okay, so then that's where it's kind of the same thing, right? It's redundant. Greenwell: Yeah, the next question is, "What kind of programs would you implement, perpetuate, and or expand upon?" Nishimoto: I think No. 15 is better than No. 14. Okabe: Okay, scratch No. 14 and take No. 15. There was no opposition by Commissioners. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 32 OF 52 Okabe: No. 16, "Can you give me an example of a specific occasion in which you conformed to a policy or a law which you did not agree?" Nishimoto: That's good. Okabe: Keep that, okay. There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Okay, No. 17, "Can you describe the most significant written document, report or presentation that you've had to complete related to the Liquor Administration? And if so, why was it important?" That's good, ah? Nishimoto: Yes. Okabe: Okay, that's good. There was no opposition by Commissioners. Nishimoto: Is there anything that talked about in the questions that we ask, about you know, like how Gerald is very pro -business, and his philosophy in all of this is encouraging and being very proactive in working with the community. You know, would really like to see the same value carried over to the next you know, Director and administration to have that type of thinking, because we really need to grow. I mean, we need to keep that momentum of growth and working you know, with the community to bring upon businesses and encourage businesses. Because I've heard even like, well this is just a comment I heard in Kauai too that someone said, you know your licensees love you guys, ours hate us. And I would like to prevent that from ever happening because I feel that it's a very valuable piece that we are entitled to, because of what has been set up for us, you know. So, if we could like have them have that kind of philosophy, you know vision of pro -business, and you know working with community, and having that type of you know, philosophy. Takase: Just ask them, because I think you know, No. 17, is not going to be that significant you know, well for the three individuals you know, they basically write reports you know. Nishimoto: Okay, yeah so is there something that like we can, I would like somebody Takase: Just say something like you know, we feel that we're in a good pro -business environment right now, what can you folks do to continue that or promote that? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 33 OF 52 Nishimoto: To promote that, committed to promote, or is that something you agree with or you know like, I want them to be Greenwell: Perpetuate the community relations. Nishimoto: So yeah, so we can kind of state that we're in a really good position. Morifuji: And how would they enhance that? Nishimoto: Yes, and would you be able to continue that? Okabe: Okay, put in the correct sentence so Hau`oli can write it down, you go it? Sayles: No. Okabe: No. Greenwell: Hau`oli, what we're looking at is to perpetuate the community relationships with both the business and the economics of the community. You know, not only the licensing side but, Narcan for example, you can put it together. Okabe: Just tell her what we want to say. Nishimoto: Okay, so like, when we say in the past, we have enjoyed the opportunity of being a Commission that is pro -business and is able to work positively with our licensees, or you know and so, what would you be able to do to continue to promote that? Takase: So, to continue or enhance? Nishimoto: So, to continue or enhance that type of working relationship we have with the public, I don't know. Just so that we don't become like you know, Honolulu and Kauai where they hate us and we need protection. Greenwell: Laurisa, should you use the word "community" because he's giving back to different community groups other than Liquor. Takase: Try read it back to us. Sayles: I put, "The Department is able to work positively with licensees to continue or enhance Takase: No, just read the specific question, not paraphrasing. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 34 OF 52 Sayles: I don't know, what is the beginning of the question? Nishimoto: In the past? Would we say, the Liquor Control Department or Sayles: The Liquor Control Department is pro -business? Takase: Why don't you say it like this, the Department of Liquor Control, enjoys a good relationship with its licensees, what can you do to continue or enhance that in the future? Greenwell: Well, I think the word "community" should be in there because you've done so much to help with your donations. Nishimoto: Proactive too because you definitely go out, and before we even hit this table, a lot of the problems are, you know or we have answers to the questions. Well, ways of being or continuing. So, one suggestion was to make sure we include the word "community" in there. Working positively with the community or contributing to? Takase: Read it back again. Sayles: The Department of Liquor Control enjoys a good relationship with licensees and the community. What will you do to continue or enhance that in the future? Nishimoto: That it continues in the future. That's good, I just kind of want to make sure, it's important. So, how much questions do we have? We struck No. 17, then right? Morifuji: 13 we have. Okabe: Yeah, we struck out No. 17 and replaced it with this one you guys just did. Takase: Okay, so read off all the questions that are still there. Okabe: No. 1, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 8, No. 9, No. 11, No. 12, No. 13, No. 15, No. 16, and Laurisa's one. Sayles: Did you strike out No. 7? Okabe: Yes, we struck out No. 7. Sayles: Okay, got it. Nishimoto: And then, we did change a wording in No. 3, "If you were in our position, why would we hire you?" MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 35 OF 52 Sayles: I got that. Okabe: Okay, which questions you guys want to ask? Takase: Well, let's vote on these questions first, we're gonna ask these questions. Okabe: Okay, can I have a motion to ask these questions, the ones that I just mentioned with the numbers, can I have a motion for that? Nishimoto: I'll make the motion to use the 13 questions that have been selected. Greenwell: I will second Laurisa's motion on the 13 questions. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to use the 13 questions that have been selected to interview the candidates for the Director position; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Discussion? So, nobody wants to add anymore, right? This is it> There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Okay there are no other questions, all 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. Okabe: These are the 13 questions that we're going to ask for the interview on the 15t" Takamura: Chair, could you please make it a habit before we do the actual vote for the record, just ask for public testimony? Okabe: Oh okay, can we make sure you put that down too for me? Sayles: I can put it in the poop sheet. Okabe: Yeah, put it down so that I remember. Okay, there's no questions from the public on this. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 36 OF 52 There was no public testimony. There were no members of the public present in the hearing room. Okabe: Motion is carried, okay? Okay, let's go on to who's going to be asking the questions, who wants to ask questions? Morifuji: I think Laurisa and you do it very well. Okabe: Okay, I'm sure you're going to ask the last one, Laurisa. Nishimoto: I just feel like, I vote for the Chairman to ask all the questions. Okabe: You're moving that as a motion? Nishimoto: I would like to propose. Okabe: I hear no second. Nishimoto: Okay, I'm going to say it formally, I would like to propose that all questions are asked by the Chairman, all interview questions will be asked by the Chairman for consistency. Morifuji: I second that. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to propose that all interview questions will be asked by the Chairman for consistency; Seconded by Commissioner Morifuji. Okabe: Okay, any discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: All in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Okay, motion carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Okabe: Okay, we got the questions, we got the date, anything else? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 37 OF 52 Takamura: Public testimony. Okabe: Is there any public testimony in regards to this? There was no public testimony. There were no members of the public present in the hearing room. Okabe: Hearing none, this motion is carried. Are there any other things that we have to bring up in regards to this interview? Takamura: I guess the process itself, how you guys want it to play out. Okabe: Oh yeah, how are we going to decide who's going to go first and what? Nishimoto: I think we just pull numbers. Okabe: When do we pull the numbers? Nishimoto: Now? I don't know. Takamura: Up to you guys. Greenwell: Alphabetically? Okabe: Alphabetically? Nishimoto: No. Morifuji: Nobody knows the applicants, right? Okabe: No, we do. Morifuji: You do? Okabe: They gave it at the last meeting. Give them the names of the people, Mr. Director? Takase: Andrew Kouchi who's our Hilo Supervisor, Steve Frendo, our Kona Supervisor, and Stacie, who's our Licensing Officer. Nishimoto: So, I think the fairest way would be to just put their names on and just choose like 9:00 a.m., this person, 10:00 a.m., this person, 11:00 a.m., this person, and it's just random. Okabe: But the candidates can all make this date, right? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 38 OF 52 Takase: Yes. Okabe: Okay, so is that going to be official, like take a vote like that too? Takamura: Take a vote, yeah, to set the structure. Okabe: Okay, Vice Chair, can you pull the names? Sayles: Wait, public testimony? Ta kase : We didn't vote yet. Sayles: Oh not yet, right before the vote? Takamura: Yes, so public testimony has to be called before any actions to be taken. Sayles: Okay, got it. Nishimoto: Okay, so it's just first, second, and third, because 9:00 a.m. we start the meeting, we're not starting officially the interview until like after 9:00 a.m. Okabe: Okay, the first person, Mr. Vice Chair? Greenwell: Kouchi, the first person. Okabe: Kouchi. Okay, second person? Greenwell: Stacie. Okabe: Okay. Greenwell: That leaves the last one, Frendo. Okabe: Okay. So, we have to move to approve that order? Takamura: And also how you're going to structure the interview process, right? Because, you guys didn't decide that you guys gonna do like, 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or whatever yet. Okabe: Oh yeah, so we're going to do the time first? Takamura: You can do it collectively, I mean if you want to discuss or if you want to vote on how it's going to be structured, and then you can specifically say those at what time, or it's up to you guys if you want to break it into separate motions. Okabe: No, we can make it the same. Okay, go ahead, Laurisa. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 39 OF 52 Nishimoto: Okay, I make a motion to have the first interview be Andrew Kouchi at 9:00 a.m., the second interview be Stacie Waltjen at 10:00 a.m., and the third interview be Stephen Frendo at 11:00 a.m. Is that it? Takamura: Is there anything else you want to add? Nishimoto: Do we talk about like after lunch? Takamura: No, this is just setting the structure. Takase: Decision making to follow. Nishimoto: Okay, decision making to follow. Okabe: Can I have a second? Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to schedule the first interview with Andrew Kouchi at 9:00 a.m., the second interview with Stacie Waltjen at 10:00 a.m., and the third interview with Stephen Frendo at 11:00 a.m.; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Public testimony? There was no public testimony. There were no members of the public present in the hearing room. Okabe: Hearing none. All in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 40 OF 52 Okabe: Okay, any other thing we got to do? Takamura: I guess scoring. Whether you guys are going to set criteria, or if you guys are going to be able to just state on the record as to how you're going to select the person. Okabe: Yeah, the scoring, how would you do the scoring? What scoring sheet you talking about, they don't have that, ah? Takase: No. Okabe: Because you're just going to listen to the debate, and then once we listen to the whole thing, then somebody will make a motion, I recommend so and so, and then there's a second. Then everybody votes, and you have a majority, does it have to be 2/3 or the majority? Takamura: You guys act by majority. Takase: If you need a scoring system, I would say you just rank them on each question, 1, 2, and 3. That would be the simplest because I think that would be hard to quantitatively put down. But, I think between the three, you should probably be able to figure out who gave the better answers. Greenwell: Mr. Chair, I think it would be the individual Commissioner's responsibility to figure out how they want to rate that individual so that Nishimoto: No, but it has to be Greenwell: So that they come up with how they can support their vote, or how they can support their action. I mean, if you want to say ABC, and you want to say 123, and you want to say yes or no, I mean that's the Commissioner's individual responsibility. Nishimoto: I think inter -rater reliability, we need to have it uniformed and then kind of like have something documented that we can fall upon if any questions or anything, and it should be uniform. Morifuji: How is the Police Commission doing it? Takamura: I'm not sure they got there yet, but the point I'm trying to make is that whichever route you choose in determining how the candidate is selected, you have to be able to articulate a legitimate basis for their selection on the record. Greenwell: So, wouldn't that be based on the number of voters that each person got? Takamura: Not necessarily, so you could vote and not say why, and then that kind of doesn't provide a legitimate basis. So, what I'm trying to express to you guys is that however you guys decide to rate them, it should be fair and based on a legitimate basis MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 41 OF 52 and should not be arbitrary, capricious, or based on anything that can be perceived as discriminatory. Okabe: Yeah, because that is not something, the scoring sheet is not something that is going to be divulged to the public, right? It's only for your personal, you know what I'm trying to say? So, let's say you pick one candidate, and you got 10. And then, another guy got the same candidate, they got one or two. But then, how are you going to decide, everybody might have all different numbers and we might not even come up with a consensus, right? So, like I said, everybody like Vice Chair Greenwell is saying, individually listening to the candidate, you will have a rating sheet on your own, because that's not going to be a public thing. And, you're not going to turn that into anybody, don't know who you voting for or what? But when that time comes when somebody makes a motion, everybody will have an opportunity to vote on that particular person, right? So, when I say all those in favor of this candidate say "Aye," or I don't know, does it have to be a roll call vote? That's another thing. Takamura: So, it has to be clear how the people voted. But yeah, what I'm trying to say is that in any case, I think you guys need to have something on the record, whether it's just a Commissioner explaining the basis for their vote or collectively as a group explaining the basis for your votes. You guys should have something on the record as to the basis for choosing that person. Okabe: So by saying, "On the record" meaning record to who? Takamura: In the minutes. Okabe: So, in other words, Steve is going to say I recommend so and so because of these reasons, he's going to say it verbally. Every Commissioner is going to say it verbally? Takamura: Yes, it would be helpful that we have a record. Okabe: In open session? Takamura: Yes. Okabe: Oh. Takamura: Well, I mean it depends how you guys want to go, right? If you guys want to do scoring sheets, then the scoring sheets will be part of the record. If you guys want to do your guys own kind of subjective rating, and then you'd also have to just be able to explain why you chose one person. Nishimoto: Yeah, so I'm wondering if it would be easy to have like with the questions, and then who we think would be best, first, second, and third, and then we put it down in our own if we want, notes to remember what the point was of why I thought that person was first, second, and third in my own notes. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 42 OF 52 Takase: That's what Cameron is saying, if we do it that way, then those notes will be subject to public. Greenwell: Exactly. Takase: You only got three, I think you guys can keep them apart in your minds. Greenwell: So, what you're saying is if we go through the interview and we're over here scribbling whatever we want, we gotta turn those in at the end of the hiring? Nishimoto: So, if we take our own notes, let's say I just turn this paper over and I just take for myself notes, so that when it becomes time to justify my choice, that would be fine? Takamura: No, so in that case that would be your personal notes, right? It wouldn't be the notes maintained by your agency which is the Commission. But what I'm saying is if you use like an official scoring sheet Nishimoto: Then I have to turn it in. Takamura: Then that will probably become public, but your personal notes whatever scoring you decide to do will be, I don't believe it's subject to disclosure. Nishimoto: Okay, so do you have any recommendation? Takamura: No, I don't want to like subvert you guys, the Commission. Nishimoto: I mean or like what has been done in the past that may have gotten somebody in trouble or not in trouble, you know like when the time Takamura: Well, I mean one thing that will get you in potential trouble is not stating your reason, because then the person could claim that you did it for a discriminatory reason, and we'd have to come back, prove a legitimate basis, and then they'd have to come back and they could show pretext, so it's just kind of trying to avoid that kind of situation. Nishimoto: Yes, definitely. Morifuji: You were going to look into the possibility of us reviewing their individual JPRs (Job Performance Reviews)? Takamura: Yes, I put that. Morifuji: And we can figure that into this decision as well, right? Takamura: Well, if you guys so choose and if it is lawful for that to be disclosed. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 43 OF 52 Morifuji: And you're going to determine whether it's lawful for them to disclose it to us? Takamura: Whether it's lawful for you guys to tell them to disclose it. Because I mean, if they want to voluntarily do stuff, then that's up to them. Morifuji: Can we ask them that? Takamura: That's the question. Morifuji: You can ask that question? Takamura: Yes, the question is whether or not you can lawfully ask them or require them to disclose it. Morifuji: Oh, to ask that question? Nishimoto: Do you know when they apply, do they have like references? Takase: Yeah, so we'll start providing that to everybody, they did an application, we have been receiving letters of recommendation for them. We have all the JPRs (Job Performance Reviews). I would say if anything that might be the stickiest part because if somebody objects, then that's going to kind of throw everything off you know, so don't know if you necessarily need to have it. If they all say, "Yeah, no problem." But if not, you can't take from two, and not get from one. Nishimoto: Because letters of recommendation is less controversial than asking for the JPR (Job Performance Review), right? Takase: And I'll tell you, you know the letters all kind of say the same thing, right? Nishimoto: Yes, because then if not, it's just a matter of what they say, their word, you know so that's just another measure right, because they can say anything they want, you know I'm the greatest person in the whole world, and I can do this, I can do that. But then it's a matter of okay then, the letters of recommendation or references would be our opportunity to see if what they're saying is true. Morifuji: I feel that the JPRs (Job Performance Reviews) are important, the reason why is because the person grading these people under him knows the importance of being the face of Liquor Control. Nishimoto: Right, yes, if we could see that, that would be great you know, because then that's definitely their job performance, right? You know, so yes, if we could see that, that would be great. Takase: I'm thinking if not, you can just ask me at the end since I rate all of them. Greenwell: They don't want us to ask you. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 44 OF 52 Nishimoto: Yes, so because that would seem, because then if we ask you at the end, is it in front of everyone? Takase: I'm willing to say in front of everybody. Nishimoto: Okay, I mean you know just like I said, I just want to do this in a way that no one could poke holes in our system, in what we did to choose the next Director, and everything we've done has been upfront and legal. Okabe: Okay, so how are we going to do this? No scoring sheet, right? Nishimoto: So, our own personal notes. Okabe: Anybody wants a scoring sheet? There was no response by Commissioners. Okabe: None. Okay, two, we're just going to keep our own notes, and then that's enough? Takase: Let me just say this, I think it will become fairly obvious, and when you actually select the person, I think at the end you should give that person a unanimous vote, it shouldn't come in with 5-4 you know. So, from you as a Commission, think of that when you guys do it. Okabe: But no matter what, somebody has to make a motion for whatever candidate you know. Takase: Yes. Okabe: And then we vote on it, okay, that's how we're going to work. Nishimoto: So, it's not a roll call vote then? Okabe: Is it a role call, or is it not? Nishimoto: It's what we decide, right? Okabe: Yes. Takamura: Also, it has to be obvious on the record how everybody voted, so it's up to you if you want to do a roll call vote. Takase: Well, I would say if you have a divided vote, then you do a roll call. Okabe: Oh I see, but if the Chair cannot determine it's not a majority, then I could call a roll call? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 45 OF 52 Takamura: So, if it's not unanimous, you could do a roll call. Okabe: Oh, okay. Takamura: You gotta be able to tell how everybody voted. Takase: You say something like you know, "All those in favor say "Aye", and then, opposed "Nay". If there's Nays, then I think you should do roll call. Okabe: Okay. Takase: And if it is like that, then you might have to whittle it down, you got three, you got to go down to two, because you could end up where one person doesn't get enough votes, they would have to have five votes, if they only got four votes, that's not an action. At that point, we would have to kind of narrow it down till you get to two, and then you can vote. You know, say if your first vote comes out 4-3-2, that's not decisive enough, you'd have to go through one more vote, whoever is in gotta have at least five votes. Okabe: Yes, because there's nine. Nishimoto: Do they ever do it where you write down who you want, throw it in the basket, and you read it? Takamura: No, you can't do that, OIP (Office of Information Practices) deemed that to be unlawful. Greenwell: Cameron, would your guys history of other committees and boards and whatnot, I keep referring to that template or poop sheet, can you be sure and try and advise of what other people have seen so that we don't make the same mistake? Takamura: I'm not familiar with the hiring process here. Nishimoto: But that's why we're asking questions. Takase: So, I take everything as brand new. Nishimoto: Yeah, that's why we're asking questions. Takase: We were never stuck under these conditions. Nishimoto: Lucky thing our Director doesn't change every time, yeah? This will not be a problem for another 30 years, right? Takase: You can put that, "How long are you going to stay?" Nishimoto: The requirement is that you stay for 30 years. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 46 OF 52 Greenwell: I don't want a situation where we have to say, "Oh by the way, we didn't say that or we have to backtrack." Takamura: Yeah, I can work with Keyra on it. Takase: Hopefully it will go smoothly. Greenwell: It's not going to be an informal, it's going to be a formal setting. Nishimoto: It just depends on everyone in agreement say "Aye," and then not having the "Nay," right? Takase: Even if you get, that's okay. Nishimoto: I mean no, but then for the majority, right? I mean how do you, right? That's how you're going to determine if you have majority is mostly everybody says "Aye." Greenwell: Like he said, hopefully we could even get a unanimous decision. Nishimoto: Yes. Takamura: Yes, if it's unanimous then, I mean it's easy for the record but if it is split Nishimoto: I just sometimes I forget to say "Aye," I'm like taking notes. Takase: Well, if nobody says no, then you just treat it as unanimous. Nishimoto: Okay. Greenwell: If there was a unanimous decision, it'd be easier for you to defend? Takamura: No, I mean, so for the record, you have to be able to identify how everybody voted, right? For the minutes, so if it's unanimous, it's easy for Hau`oli to just put unanimous. But if it is split, she has to identify in the record how each person voted, right? So, then it's easier for the minutes if we do a roll call vote. Okabe: Okay, so that's it, right? No, but what we want to do about the questions? We're just going to have the questions and we're going to tell the candidates, right? We're not giving it to the candidate first, right? Nakashima: I don't know, it's a lot of questions. To make things more smoothly? Takase: Do you want to? I mean, we can give them the questions. Nakashima: It's a lot of questions. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 47 OF 52 Okabe: But, if you want to give it to them, and I ask the questions, I can do that. So, what you guys want? Greenwell: I think the question now is whether we're going to give them the questions in advance or not. Morifuji: I think there's value in giving it to them ahead of time, that will show us if they have the proper skills to write it out, and if they're thinking correctly. If we bring them up here, they may be nervous in front of all the people. To be fair to all the applicants, that might be a better way to do it, I think. Greenwell: Well, if there's no opposition, I'll make the motion that we give them the questions in advance prior to coming to the meeting. Nishimoto: And also that we're keeping our own notes, and that also if unanimous, or if we have any "Nays", then we go to a roll call vote, right? We have to talk about that process too? Okabe: No, don't have to do that until that day comes. Nishimoto: So, it's just making a motion for giving the questions? Takamura: So, what did you guys decide for the scoring? Are you guys individually going to rank them? Okabe: Yes, individually. Gotta make a motion for that? Takamura: Yes, if you could include that in your motion that you guys are deciding that you guys are going to individually rank them. Okabe: Okay, Greenwell, you going to do the questions first? Or you going to make a motion to give the questions to the candidates? Greenwell: No that's what I did, I made a motion. Okabe: And a second? Greenwell: No, that's why I was asking Laurisa. Morifuji: Second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to give the interview questions to the candidates in advance; Seconded by Commissioner Morifuji. Okabe: Discussion? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 48 OF 52 There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Is there any public testimony in regards to this? There was no public testimony. There were no members of the public present in the hearing room. 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 carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Okabe: The next one? Takamura: About how you guys are going to rank. So, I wouldn't phrase that as personal notes because I mean you're not necessarily grading on personal notes, what you guys are doing is you guys are ranking the candidates based on your perception of how they did in the interview, I guess. You can phrase it any way you want but it just needs to be clear that you guys are personally going to rank them, and then decide at the end based on verbal how you ranked them. Nishimoto: So, would we say that we are not relying on scoring sheets? Takamura: You could to make it clear. Nishimoto: Okay. Morifuji: How hard is it to defend if a candidate appeals the decision, and they say, "Okay, why did you not pick me if we don't have anything? Takamura: I'm not sure they could appeal a hiring decision like this, but what could come would be they could file a lawsuit based on discrimination or something like that if they perceive that it was based on discriminatory basis, that is primarily what you would be I guess concerned about. Takase: That's what your Corp (Corporation) Counsel is here to protect you from, so you don't make those statements. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 49 OF 52 Takamura: Yes. Okabe: Okay, so that's it, don't have to make a motion? Takamura: You guys didn't vote on that, though. Nishimoto: So, I make a motion to not proceed in our hiring selection, not to use a rating sheet but rather to use personal ranking of the candidates based on how well they did in the interview. Greenwell: I'll second. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to not use rating sheets but rather to use personal ranking of the candidates based on how well they did in the interview; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Okabe: Is there any statements from the public in regards to this motion? There was no public testimony. There were no members of the public present in the hearing room. Okabe: Any other comments by the Commissioners? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none. All those in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Nishimoto: Is that all we need to do? Okay, so who gives them the questions? You type it, it's going to be typed up neater and then she gives it? Takase: Yes, we'll provide it to them. Takamura: Sorry. Are you guys basing your guys rankings on anything other than the interview, like did they submit other documents? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 50 OF 52 Takase: Thay have a resume, the question about the JPRs (Job Performance Reviews) is still pending? Takamura: Still pending, yes. Sayles: There are letters of recommendation and support. Takamura: Okay, maybe if we could amend that to also include those other things. Nishimoto: Okay, I'd like to make an amendment that our selection will also be based on submissions by the candidates and other available information and supporting documents? Takamura: Yes. Greenwell: They give it to us because it's supporting their position. Takamura: Second? Nishimoto: I need a second. Okamoto: Okamoto, second. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to AMEND the motion to add that the selection will also be based on submissions by the candidates and other available information and supporting documents; Seconded by Commissioner Okamoto. Okabe: Moved and seconded, discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Any public comments? There was no public testimony. There were no members of the public present in the hearing room. Okabe: Hearing none. All in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion is carried. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 - HILO PAGE 51 OF 52 IX. Announcements (12:18 PM] December 4, 2025, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawai'i. January 8, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawai'i. Sayles: And then the Special Meeting, Monday, December 15th 7 9:00 a.m. in Hilo. m Meeting adjourned at 12:19 P.M. 21d Takase Director The November 6, 2025 meeting minutes were approved as circulated, via email on December 12, 2025, by the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawaii on December 15, 2025. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6,2025 - HILO PAGE 52 OF 51