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evolving business practices, changes in technology, and compliance challenges
<br />before they become an enforcement issue, and I also would rely on our frontline staff's
<br />insight.
<br />Starting in this Department as an Investigator Trainee and working my way up to a
<br />supervisor over the past 11�/2 years, has taught how valuable insight of our family
<br />staff is and how important their suggestions, observations, and complaints are.
<br />Regular briefings and internal communication to ensure that any field observations
<br />and compliance trends form our policy and operational decisions. I would also use data
<br />and technology to guide our priorities. I would drive my experience as an investigator,
<br />developing procedures and conducting investigations to guide us in this area. And
<br />finally, I understand the Commission's role, our Commission sets policies and provides
<br />oversight. The Director implements that policy and manages and reviews operations.
<br />view this as a transparent partnership that is supported by persistent communication,
<br />and data review accordingly.
<br />Okabe: No. 10, while we are called the Department of Liquor Control, the scope
<br />of our enforcement is possibly expanding to include matters such as tobacco,
<br />marijuana, and ensuring tax and regulatory compliance. Do you feel that expansion
<br />in this scope is appropriate or inappropriate, and why?
<br />Kouchi: Yes, I believe the expansion of the Department of Liquor Control's
<br />enforcement can be appropriate and beneficial if implemented thoughtfully and with
<br />clear statutory authority. There's a natural alignment between liquor control and areas
<br />such as tobacco, marijuana, and tax compliance given the shared focus on licensing,
<br />age restrictions and public safety. The Department already has strong experience in
<br />inspections, investigations, audits, education, and licensing with a highly regulated
<br />industry such as alcohol, and those skills are transferable to expanded responsibilities.
<br />Successful expansion depends on proper planning, adequate resources, and clear
<br />policy direction from our Commission and other partner agencies. Staffing, training,
<br />funding, and interagency coordination need to be addressed to ensure our core
<br />liquor enforcement is not compromising the process. I would support expansion
<br />by collaborating with the Commission, County leadership, and partner agencies to
<br />develop strategies that ensure new responsibilities are executed consistently, fairly,
<br />and professionally. And if done correctly, this expansion can strengthen compliance,
<br />protect the public, and enhance confidence in the County's oversight.
<br />And if directed by the Commission to expand the Department's enforcement scope,
<br />will take a phased and delivered approach. I would first work closely with the
<br />Commission and our Corporation Counsel to ensure clear legal authority and defined
<br />objectives, and I would assess our resources including our staffing, our training, and
<br />the budget to ensure that the expansion is sustainable and does not compromise
<br />our original core enforcement values. I would then focus on targeted training and
<br />standardizing procedures so the enforcement is consistent, fair, and legally defensible,
<br />and in coordination with our partner agencies who will also be a priority to leverage their
<br />expertise and avoid any duplication, and to learn from any mistakes for any trouble they
<br />have along the way. And then, I would establish clear metrics and regular reporting to
<br />MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING SPECIAL MEETING - MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2025 - HILO PAGE 11 OF 35
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