2026-01-08 Liquor Commission Minutes Hilo

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concern on Hoku Street as well, and how is having an area where alcohol is being served going to play a part to better the neighborhood, or create more challenges for us. Waltjen: So, they're applying for a retail liquor license which means that everything is sold for off -premise consumption. I do know that were are some maybe homeless people occupying the house behind where they're at, and the applicant and their family was looking to Tokunaga: Yes, we did purchase the property right behind and we cleared it out. Benevides: Yes, okay. Tokunaga: That person isn't there anymore, I think there were multiple people living in that tent. Waltjen: I'm not sure if that was the only area that maybe you might have seen some homeless. Benevides: There's an area right in front of our property, we have a county access road to take us into the flag lots that we have in the back, there is a community there as well. So you know, there was just concern of a lot of high activity happening on Hoku Street and how that may impact having business there that is selling alcohol. Tokunaga: Yes, so there's only going to be like 2 simulator bays in the space and we're going to only allow like 5 people per bay, and it will be basically appointment - based time slots. I mean if there's walk in too and if there's availability then yeah, we can service them. Benevides: So, is it already in the existing building that is there? Tokunaga: Yes. Benevides: Or are you building it into the lot that's next to it? Tokunaga: No, no, existing building, yeah. Benevides: Okay, and then what is happening to the lot next to it? Tokunaga: The lot next to it, like right next to the building, we don't own that small piece of lot, but we just acquired the lot behind that had the homeless lady on it, yeah. Benevides: And is there any plans for further development with that? Tokunaga: No, not yet, yeah. Benevides: Not yet, okay. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026 - HILO PAGE 6 OF 41