2025-12-15 Liquor Commission Minutes Hilo (Special Meeting)

Home

Okabe: What would you consider your strengths and your weaknesses, and what would you do to improve the areas that are not your strengths? Waltjen: So, to build upon what I just mentioned you know, I have integrity, I'm accountable for my actions and my commitments, I have great people skills so I can adapt accordingly to the different personalities that I may have to work with, which think is very important. I know my audience, you know I'm empathetic and I know how to make sound and fair decisions, and I'm always striving to do the right thing. I'm humble, although it doesn't seem like it right now, but I am humble. And you know, I'm comfortable with asking questions but I'm also comfortable with answering and providing input as needed. You know, my belief is that at some point in our lives we all become teachers, but it's always important to remain a student. You know, you're never too old to learn, basically. My weakness besides desserts and chocolates and everything like that is you know, going down rabbit holes and losing focus at the task at hand, which I'm very aware leads to inaction. When I find myself going down that path you know, I will stop, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Maybe do more research, consult with my counterparts on the other items, just so I don't get stuck in that mindset. Another weakness I have is I feel like I don't put myself in uncomfortable situations which in theory you know, when I think about it, these are the experiences that give me the most growth as a person. So, you know flipping that mental script in my head and not overthinking things, and you know asking these three questions to myself you know, am I hurting myself? Am I hurting others? Am I breaking the law? And if the answers to these questions are no, then sometimes you know diving feet first and just kind of immersing yourself in the experience is something that I should try to do. Okabe: If hired, what do you perceive are your obligations as Director? Waltjen: I see firsthand how Gerald has run this Department at the highest level, and I've been very lucky to have been mentored by him. So, I will continue to run this Department as efficiently and effectively as he has done for the past 15 years, but also keeping in mind you know, making sure that we're always looking for ways to improve and adapt with the times as needed. I understand how important it is to balance effective regulations, but also supporting our licensees, supporting our community because I think that's also very important, we currently do a great job now. With that, continue to implement Gerald's model of you know, being proactive versus reactive, which again has been you know, why our Department has such a great relationship with our licensees and the public. You know to build on what I had mentioned earlier, you folks are aware you know, when applicants come in and they apply for a liquor license, that you know they want to add live music and dancing, part of the process and the requirement is that they notice their surrounding property owners up to 500 feet. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING SPECIAL MEETING - MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2025 - HILO PAGE 17 OF 35