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Waltjen: I love my job, and I enjoy what I do, I love working with my co-workers, where
<br />we all share the common goal of making sure that our Department is the best that it
<br />can be. I enjoy working with people and helping them through this you know, licensing
<br />process, and I work with a variety of people from the local community, mom -and -pops,
<br />aunties and uncles that come in and their dream is to open a restaurant, and they want
<br />to be able to sell alcohol, but you know they don't have the means to maybe hire an
<br />attorney, or they hear that the process in itself is very daunting and it's hard. So, my
<br />job is to educate them, you know sit them down and walk them through the process and
<br />make sure they're aware of what they need to do. And it's very gratifying for me to do
<br />that and help them, help these individuals because you know, they're so excited to be
<br />able to you know, have a restaurant and be able to serve alcohol.
<br />also have great working relationships with attorneys that are hired by businesses to
<br />help with this process. I have great working relationships with attorneys on our island
<br />and on `O`ahu, and I believe in the purpose of the Department, which is to regulate
<br />the manufacturing, distribution, importation, and sale and service of intoxicating liquors.
<br />But I also understand that keeping that balance of making sure you know, licensees are
<br />successful is also just as important. It's also a great opportunity for me professionally,
<br />know that you know they're big, big shoes to fill but I'm up for the challenge.
<br />Okabe: If you were in our position, why would we hire you?
<br />Waltjen: I'm highly knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of liquor licensing.
<br />ran the Licensing Division by myself for the past six years, so I'm very familiar
<br />with what that process is from start to finish and everything in between. I have
<br />a comprehensive understanding of our local rules and regulations, which is the
<br />Commission rules, Adjudication Board rules, and the Hawaii Revised Statutes,
<br />specifically 281. 1 taught the on and off -premises liquor card classes, I'm organized,
<br />know how to prioritize my work, and I'm not a procrastinator. I work well with other
<br />County and State agencies, you know in my position I worked with the Planning
<br />Department for the zoning approvals, with Public Works for the inspection of their
<br />premises, Fire and Health, and I have great working relationships with everybody.
<br />exercise sound judgement, I know when a decision can and needs to be made quickly,
<br />or when a decision maybe needs a little bit more thought, a little bit more research so
<br />we can best assist our licensees while keeping the community safe. I'm a hard worker
<br />and I get things done, I have great people skills and the demeanor to work with all types
<br />of personalities, which is what I currently do now anyway. I treat everyone fairly and
<br />with respect, which is why I do have a great relationship with staff you know, licensees,
<br />the business community, and the non -profits that come in and they want to apply for
<br />a special one -day license. I practice clear communication, which I believe is very
<br />important. I'm flexible and can pivot in situations as needed, and I believe that my
<br />legal background and customer service background align perfectly with what it takes
<br />to lead this Department.
<br />MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING SPECIAL MEETING - MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2025 - HILO PAGE 16 OF 35
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