2026-02-05 Liquor Commission Minutes Kona

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Taniguchi: Because (c) Fairmont is a regular licensee, he came in for a game permit too, right? Waltjen: Yes. Greenwell: Stacie, let me ask another question that Commissioner Morifuji brought up, how did the Liquor Department get involved in game permits? Waltjen: I mean as far as I've been with the Department, it's just been part of what we have to regulate with our licensees because in fact you know, gambling is not legal in Hawaii, right? So, it's kind of like for them to have events within a licensed premises that mimic gambling but is not gambling, but it's kind of like you know, their ability to have those type of events, but it's our Department's responsibility to make sure that they're not breaking any laws. Morifuji: I think when I was there with the Department way back, it was to help with the tourist industry, you know the tourists that come here, all the people that come, the hotels wanted to provide entertainment for their guests. So to control that, because like Stacie said gambling is illegal and because it's being done in a licensed premises, the Department had to come up with some kind of permit process like Stacie was saying, so the investigators have something to schedule and to check if they're in compliance to the law. I believe that's why it was brought up, like most of these permits are to help the businesses survive, that's what I think. Greenwell: How did Liquor get involved? I mean, was it pushed down Liquor's throat where you're going to be in charge of gaming? Waltjen: Maybe I will ask the former Director Takase, maybe he would know since he was in the seat for a while. Yadao: If no further discussion, let's take a vote, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Yadao: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 24 OF 29