2018-11-01 Liquor Commission Minutes

Home

Newton Chu, representing the applicant; Marcus Bender, Manager; and Scott Thompson, Master Brewer, were present. Taniguchi: Good morning. Chu: Good morning, Chair Taniguchi and members of the Commission. Newton Chu on behalf of the applicant, Pacific Aqua Beverages, LLC. To my left is Marcus Bender who is Manager and Member of Pacific Aqua Beverages. I do have one change to the investigator's report. If I can direct your attention to the first page of the report under Applicant, John Molina and Kevin Davis as Managers. There's been a slight change in transaction. It changed from an equity, from them taking an equity position in Pacific Aqua Beverages from financing positions so there would be one manager, and that would be Marcus Bender. We are in the process where the Corporate Attorney is on Oahu making those changes now. Taniguchi: Thank you. Can you briefly describe the business? Chu: The finest beer brewed in Hilo with some new products to come, hopefully, and continuation of a brewery started by the Shindo family back in ... Bender: Dustin Shindo and his father, Cal; I can't even remember, it's been so long, but they started it. Taniguchi: It was in the 90's. Chu: For the Commission's information, Scott Thompson who is the current Brewmaster for DeMare will stay on as will virtually all of the employees. Hilo will still be represented well. We're looking forward to Marcus bringing new energy to the business. Taniguchi: Is there any public testimony? There was no public testimony. Taniguchi: Commissioners, any questions? Hughes: You'll still have the tasting room? Are there future plans for anything more than that, like a restaurant? Anything? Bender: Right now, I'm talking to some different individuals that have restaurants here in Hilo that we might be able to collaborate with. Hughes: Also, what are the restroom facilities in your tasting room? Is there a restroom facility available? Bender: There is, yes. NOVEMBER 1, 2018 - LIQUOR COMMISSION MINUTES 13