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Takamura: Pursuant to HRS (Hawai'i Revised Statutes) 92-4(b), this is the executive
<br />session report for Item No. V. 4., regarding the executive session for the selection of the
<br />new Director of the Department of Liquor Control. It was held pursuant to HRS (Hawai'i
<br />Revised Statutes) 92-4 and 92-5(a)(4) for the Commission to consult with me, the
<br />Board's attorney on questions, issues pertaining to the Commission's powers, duties,
<br />privileges, immunities, and liabilities, as it related to this item. The discussions held
<br />therein are not subject to disclosure, as would tend to frustrate the purpose of the
<br />executive session, and there was no final decision made in the executive session.
<br />So, now we're back in open session on Item No. V. 4.
<br />Okabe: Okay, at this time, Commissioners, for discussion purposes of the selection of
<br />the Director, so if any comments or anything you would like to say?
<br />Morifuji: Morifuji, I'd like to thank all three applicants for applying for the position,
<br />personally it's very difficult decision for me because I know all three, but I based my
<br />decision for Stacie Waltjen because of her composure and her experience in licensing.
<br />That licensing aspect of the Director's job I think is very important. Enforcement is also
<br />but the licensing is to me the most important part of the position, and that's my basis for
<br />my decision for Stacie. I'd also like to thank Andrew and Steve for applying, that's my
<br />decision.
<br />Okabe: Okay, anymore comments?
<br />Ventura: Yeah, again thank you all three candidates, I think we had three outstanding
<br />candidates to choose from. I think Andrew, what you've done for compliance with the
<br />licensees, creating systems for compliance, accountability and so forth, I think is very
<br />admirable. Stacie, very good with licensees, I like the work you've done with licensees,
<br />helping them to succeed. Like you said, being proactive, trying to find some middle
<br />ground between citizens and licensees when there are problems, I think that's not easy
<br />to do, yeah and it requires a very unique skill.
<br />Stephen, you're a very good combination of the two of them, that having all your
<br />experience in the private sector and also in the public sector with the County. I based
<br />my decision similar to Mr. Morifuji on what you know is most beneficial for the licensees,
<br />which will in turn be also what is best for the communities. And my selection would be
<br />for Stacie Waltjen . Thank you.
<br />Nishimoto: I guess I'll go next, Commissioner Nishimoto. Again, thank you very
<br />much, it is a very tough decision, I'm very impressed with what each candidate
<br />brought to the table and what each of you had to say. I'm very pleased to see that
<br />everyone has similar values that we share as a Commission in terms of being proactive,
<br />open communication, and just kind of working forward, and being an advocate for
<br />the community that we work with, I do have certain things that I like about each one.
<br />MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING SPECIAL MEETING - MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2025 - HILO PAGE 31 OF 35
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