2025-12-04 Liquor Commission Minutes Hilo

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Curenton: So, prior to Hilo Tavern closing down, Monday was going to be preserved for an open mic / open house for the individuals that perform live music and DJ (disc jockey) as well. But, instead of an open mic it was going to be open house, so those individuals, Hilo is not that large, so it was going to be a continuation starting at Kukuau Jazz into Hilo Tavern, and then ending at Black Onyx. Morifuji: And, I noticed on Friday and the Sunday you may extend to 4:00 a.m. for permitted special events, what kind of permitted special events are these? Curenton: For example, I would ask for a special event for upcoming New Year's Eve to 4:00 a.m., so it would be a specific event, it wouldn't be normal business hours. Takase: I don't know if that has to be permitted because if we give her the cabaret, she would be able to open till 4:00 a.m. I don't think she's planning to have that as her regular business hours. Curenton: Correct, sir. Morifuji: Okay, so you're not going to open till 4:00 a.m. every day, it has to be a permitted event, is that what you're saying? Curenton: It was my intention to inform the Board when I intended to stay open until 4:00 a.m., sir. Morifuji: Perfect, thank you. Okabe: Any other questions, Commissioners? Taniguchi: I have, so prior to this have you had experience doing these types of businesses? Curenton: Not as a manager, I am active duty military, I've been in the military for 15 years now, and I've been to over 34 countries solo travel where I've intentionally attended entertainment events such as concerts and assisted with the promoting and selecting talent, and so it's just a passion of mine. Taniguchi: So, were you not aware that you required a liquor license to sell liquor previously? Curenton: Originally, I was under the pretense that I was able to accept donations, sir. It was to my understanding that as long as I wasn't selling it, that I can accept donations for the alcohol. So, when I originally opened Black Onyx, I had intentions to, we have on the schedule a night, it's called Seniors Night for 50 and above, and my intention was to install a lift for the bathroom due to the plumbing. And so, originally we went into what I was assuming incorrectly was a fundraiser to raise the $8,800.00 lift, and so we posted it on the website, and we also posted it on the bar, and I was receiving donations in exchange for alcohol at the time, sir. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025 - HILO PAGE 8 OF 28