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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-09 Liquor Commission Minutes HiloCOUNTY OF HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES — JAN UARY 9, 2025 HILO LAGOON CENTRE 101 AU PU N I STREET, UNIT 230 H I LO, HAWAI `I I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Okabe at 10:00 A.M., in the Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Au pu n i Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii. The following were present and constituted a quorum: Commissioners: Wil Okabe, Chair David Greenwell, Vice Chair Doug Espejo, Commissioner Arthur Taniguchi, Commissioner Melvin Ventura, Commissioner Jennifer Wilkinson, Commissioner Jennifer Yadao, Commissioner Absent and Excused: Laurisa Nishimoto, Commissioner Gerald Takase, Director Others Present: Brandon Gonzalez, Administrative Officer Ihna Kandatsu Kang, Deputy Corporation Counsel Stacie Waltjen, Licensing Officer Hau`oli Sayles, Commission Secretary Okabe: Please silence your cell phones and other devices. This meeting is being recorded, so speak loud and clear and one at a time. We will now take roll, please say present when your name is called, Commissioners, thank you. Sayles: Vice Chair Greenwell. Greenwell: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Espejo. Espejo: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Taniguchi. Taniguchi: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Ventura. Ventura: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Wilkinson. Wilkinson: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Yadao. Yadao: Present. Sayles: Chair Okabe. Okabe: Present. Sayles: Absent and excused today are Commissioner Nishimoto, and also Director Gerald Takase. Others present are Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez, Deputy Corporation Counsel Ihna Kandatsu-Kang, Licensing Officer Stacie Waltjen, and Commission Secretary Hau`oli Sayles. II. Approval of Minutes —December 5, 2024 (10:01AM) Okabe: The December 5, 2024, meeting minutes were circulated via email on January 7, 2025. The Chair would like to entertain a motion to approve the minutes? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve the minutes of December 5, 2024. Okabe: Do we have a second? Espejo: Espejo, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the December 5, 2024, Liquor Commission meeting minutes as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Espejo. Okabe: Discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor say "Aye." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 2 OF 28 The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Wilkinson: Wilkinson, abstain. Okabe: Motion carried. The motion was carried, Wilkinson abstained. III. Approval of Addendum and/or Supplemental Agenda (10:01 AM) Okabe: There is no addendum and/or supplemental agenda. IV. Public Statements on Agenda Items (10:01 AM) Okabe: Any statements from members of the public at this time? There were no statements from members of the public. V. Public Hearings (10:02 AM) 1. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10: 02 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-09 Hotel Management Partners, LLC Island Bar and Grill by Trader Vic's 75-5739 Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 7-5-007:004 (por) Original Hotel liquor license Representing applicant: Katherine Garson, Authorized Agent, and Sandor Shapery, Owner. Okabe: Can you please state your name and relationship to the business? Garson: Sure, good morning, my name is Katherine Garson, I'm with Carlsmith Ball, I am counsel for the applicant, Hotel Management Partners, LLC (Limited Liability Company), and to my right is Sandy Shapery, who is the member representative for Hotel Management Partners, LLC (Limited Liability Company). Okabe: Thank you. Can you briefly describe the business? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 3 OF 28 Garson: Sure, so this is the old Uncle Billy's Hotel in Kona, it is going to be a Hampton Inn. The premises will be in the pavilion area for the hotel which is the middle part of the hotel if you know Uncle Billy's, it will be "Island Bar and Grill by Trader Vic's", will be the name of the restaurant that's operated there. Okabe: Did you receive the application report? Garson: Yes, we did. Okabe: Are there any changes to the report? Garson: No, but I will let you know that I think the report said that the lease and restaurant license agreement was going to be provided, and we did provide that to the Department. Okabe: Thank you. Department, are there any reports of protests? Gonzalez: Chairperson, this is an application for an original license, the applicant mailed 17 out of 17 notices within 100 feet, 140 out of 140 notices within 500 feet, and 1 notice to a condominium or co-op (cooperative) property owner. There were 124 properties entitled to protest within 500 feet, and we did not receive any protests to this application, so there's zero protests. Okabe: Okay, thank you. Any public testimony in regard to this? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Commission, discussion and questions, any discussion or questions from the Commissioners? Yes, Mr. Greenwell. Greenwell: Kathy, how many rooms in the hotel's outside area where we're discussing? Garson: It's going to be 123. Greenwell: 123? Garson: And, I should've mentioned that it is going to be a Hampton Inn if I did not mention that previously. Taniguchi: So this is for Brandon, the licensed premises is going to be on the restaurant side, right? But, usually hotels they're allowed to take the drink to the room, are they going to be allowed to do that? Gonzalez: So, the hotel is going to have a Hotel liquor license, and this is specific to the restaurant. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 4 OF 28 Taniguchi: So that's it, just the restaurant? Garson: Well, if you remember how Uncle Billy's was, right? Yeah, it's the restaurant and then the lobby and the pool and everything is all in the one building so, it's still part of the hotel. Taniguchi: Yes, but not the rooms, though? Garson: Not the rooms. Taniguchi: Yes, because a lot of the hotels you can take them to the room, right? Gonzalez: It depends if the hotel has the license itself or if the restaurant has the license. Taniguchi: So, this one is going to be the hotel? Gonzalez: No, this is for the restaurant. So, there are areas adjacent to the restaurant where we will allow drinks. Taniguchi: Okay, thank you. Espejo: Got a question, if you have 123 rooms, how many parking stalls would you have to allow outside visitors to your restaurant, will they have a specific place to park? Shapery: Under the zoning requirements, we're required to have 1 parking space for every 3 hotel rooms, however to make sure that we had extra parking, we have increased that to where we have 1 extra parking space for every 3 hotel rooms, so we've got a ratio of 3 to 2, instead of 3 to 1. So, we have extra adequate parking for our restaurant customers. Espejo: Thank you. Okabe: Commissioners, any more questions or discussion? There was no further discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, I'd like to entertain a motion to close public hearing? Taniguchi: Move to close public hearing. Wilkinson: Wilkinson, second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to close the public hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson. Okabe: Moved and seconded, discussion on the motion? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 5 OF 28 There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Okabe: I'd like to entertain a motion to approve or deny Application No. 24-09, pending final inspection? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve Application No. 24-09, pending final inspection. Wilkinson: Wilkinson, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No. 24-09, Hotel Management Partners, LLC, dba Island Bar and Grill by Trader Vic's, for an Original Hotel liquor license, located at 75-5739 Ah'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, TMK: 7-5-007:004 (por), pending final inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson. Okabe: Any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 6 OF 28 VI. Preliminary Hearings (10:09 AM) 1. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:09 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-13 A to Z Owners LLC Da Coco Shack 76-6246 Ali`i Drive, #102, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 7-6-015-023-0001 Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B 1 Representing applicant: Ashley Younger, Owner, and Vincent Zaldivar (Coco Vinny), Part-owner. Zaldivar: Hello everyone, I'm Coco Vinny, this is Ashley, and Coco. Younger: I'm Ashley. Zaldivar: I'm the founder of a company called "Coco Love", you might have had Coco Love water, it's in KTA and a lot of places, it's probably the best coconut water on the island. So, a few years ago we kept driving by this place, used to be "Millers Surf Shop", and before that "Pupu Pantry." And so, we were able to purchase that property that's right there on Ali`i Drive, and we're turning it into "Da Coco Shack" surf bar. So, we'll serve our coconut water, food, and liquor. So, we just got the floors in, it's turning into a gorgeous place, we're setting up a beautiful bar, and everything's ready to go. Younger: But also with Coco Love for every can sold, we're actually planting here on island, we have a really cool non-profit called "Roots for Change", we're giving back to the island doing cultrual preservation, it really ties in to making sure that everything we're giving back to the island and the people. Zaldivar: We're planting a lot of coconut trees on this side, Hilo, with some of our partners, and also we want to improve the farmer wage locally. So, I've already planted about 32,000 coconut trees so far in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, and we want to plant atleast 100,000 coconut trees here to improve the food security, the supply chain, and the local ecomonic development. And we're going to showcase our coconuts fresh with daquiris and other things like that to demonstrate how we can produce fresh coconuts locally throughout the businesses. It'll be at Uncle Billy's, we're going to get coconuts everywhere, so that's the plan, and you can come to "Da Coco Shack" and learn all about it. Okabe: Have you received the report? Younger: Yes. Okabe: Are there any changes to the report? Younger: No. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 7 OF 28 Okabe: Any other public testimony today? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, are there any discussions or questions that you might have? Espejo: I have a question, you know a lot about coconuts. Zaldivar: I do. Espejo: Can you grow a coconut tree that's not so high? Zaldivar: That's all I've been planting over the last four years, it's called a Samoan dwarf tree and only grows about 6-7 feet, and you can harvest right off the ground, there's no climbing and you can walk around the farm without getting hit in the head with a coconut. So, that's exactly what we're planting because it's not only better for tourism and touring because it's not dangerous, but it's easier to manage the rhinoceros beetles. The rhinoceros beetle likes to go to the top, and if it's 80 feet high, you can't get to the crown, but if it's down here, you can manage it and also the fruit, it only takes five years to harvest trees instead of 15 years on the talls. So, all the energy has to bring the water way sky high first, instead it kicks out more coconuts and more juice on the ground. Espejo: And the yield is about the same? Zaldivar: The yield is 5X more, you get more coconuts per tree per year on the shorties, yes. Espejo: Thank you. Greenwell: Can you educate us a little bit about your fears or your understanding of the rhinoceros beetle? Zaldivar: My understanding of the beetle is that, usually nature creates pests to clean up the sick, so the rhinoceros beetle started showing up more because a lot of the coconut trees are a lot older, and we haven't been planting trees like we should be. So, a lot of the trees are already at the end of their stages, and they're almost dormant, they're not producing many coconuts. The rhinoceros beelte is cleaning up that, a lot of it, but then also the mismanagement of the lands, if you have healthy soil and you have a healthy ecosystem, you're not going to have those pests as much and you can manage it. But, if you just leave everything to be on its own, it's not managed, you're going to have stuff like that. Greenwell: Thank you. Zaldivar: Yes, you're welcome. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 8 OF 28 Taniguchi: Do you have your property already for the 100,000 trees? Zaldivar: So, there's a lot of property that we're interviewing right now, and there's some partners that we have that have a few thousand acres, they have a lot of mac (macadamia) nuts and other things so we're going to start testing. Taniguchi: How far apart? Zaldivar: We're going to plant about 100-125 trees per acre, so about 15-20 feet. Okabe: I'd like to entertain a motion to approve or deny Application No. 24-13? If approved, public hearing to be held on March 6, 2025, in Hilo. Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll approve Application No. 24-13, with a public hearing to be held on March 6, 2025, in Hilo. Wilkinson: Wilkinson, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No. 24-13, A to Z Owners LLC, dba Da Coco Shack, for an Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 76-6246 Ali`i Drive, #102, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, TMK: 7-6-015-023-0001, with public hearing to be held on March 6, 2025, in Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson. Okabe: Any other discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 9 OF 28 NEXT TWO ITEMS WERE TAKEN AT ONCE 2. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:12 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: 1 , , TM K: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 3. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TM K: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-14 Gambill Enterprises LLC SIPS Cafe and Bar 68-1820 Waikoloa Road, Unit J103, Waikoloa, Hawaii 6-8-003:015 Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B 1 24-15 Gambill Enterprises LLC The Shops at SIPS 68-1820 Waikoloa Road, Unit J103, Waikoloa, Hawaii 6-8-003:015 Original Retail General liquor license Representing applicant: Crystal Gambill, Owner. Okabe: Can you state your name and relationship to the business? Gambill: Yes, my name is Crystal Gambill, and I am the owner of Gambill Enterprises. Okabe: Can you describe the business? Gambill: Sure, I'm opening a restaurant with a retail section in the front that will sell specialty bottles of liquor and wine, very limited, nothing like a liquor store or anything of that sort, along with gourmet foods and fashion. I've always owned fashion boutiques, so I want to incorporate that somehow, and then the restaurant will be serving as well, but we're going to have it separate so the entrance when you walk in, it's going to be retail on the left, then you keep walking and then the restaurant is more towards the back, and then we have a back lanai as well. Okabe: Crystal, did you receive the report? Gambill: I did. Okabe: Are there any changes to the report? Gambill: None. Okabe: Any other public testimony today in regards to this? There was no public testimony. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 10 OF 28 Okabe: None. Commission, is there any discussion or questions in regard to this business? Yes, Mr. Greenwell. Greenwell: We've had some Gambills here before? Gambill: Oh yeah, they're next door to me. Greenwell: I beg your pardon? Gambill: Next door to me. Greenwell: Next door to you? Gambill: Well like couple down, yes. Greenwell: Are they related to you? Gambill: So, Kaleo is my husband's cousin for 4K Yakiniku? Greenwell: Yes, okay. So, Gambill Enterprises is you only? Gambill: Just me, yes. Greenwell: Not them? Gambill: No, they're on their own. Greenwell: Thank you. Gambill: You're welcome. Okabe: Any other questions, Commissioners? Espejo: I got one, Waikoloa Plaza, I don't know much about it, is it growing, so you have enough walk-in traffic? Gambill: Right now, yes it's a growing area, I'm also a real estate agent, so yesterday in our meeting we were told that they're going to build I think it was 1,700 new homes at the bottom area, but it's all going to be multi -million dollar homes. And then they have to also have low-income housing as well to accommodate that, so it's a growing area. So, right now it's not like as busy as we would like but in the future it will, and then the two hotels are going to be right in the front. Espejo: Thank you. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 11 OF 28 Okabe: Any other questions? There was no further discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, I'd like to have a motion to approve or deny Application Nos. 24-14 and 24-15? If approved, public hearing to be held on March 6, 2025, in Hilo. Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll approve the Application Nos. 24-14 and 24-15, with the public hearing to be held March 6, 2025, in Hilo. Okabe: Can I have a second? Wilkinson: Wilkinson, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No. 24-14 and Application No. 24-15, Gambill Enterprises LLC, dba SIPS Cafe and Bar, dba The Shops at SIPS, for an Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, and Retail General liquor license, located at 68-1820 Waikoloa Road, Unit J103, Waikoloa, Hawaii, TMK: 6-8-003:015, with public hearing to be held on March 6, 2025, in Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson. Okabe: Discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 12 OF 28 4. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:19 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: T24-16 Akatsuki International Corporation TBD (To Be Determined) 79-7511 Hawaii Belt Road, Kealakekua, Hawaii 7-9-010:058 Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, currently held by Kona Stop `N Shop, Inc., dba Keei Cafe Representing applicant: Joyce Miyashiro, Seller Okabe: Please state your name and the relationship to the business. Miyashiro: Good morning everybody, my name is Joyce Miyashiro, I am representing Akatsuki Corporation, I am actually the seller, formerly Kona Stop `N Shop, Inc., dba (doing business as) Keei Cafe, so you know I've been with you guys for like 20+ years, so I'm just kind of helping this foreign company go through the steps of transferring the liquor license and opening up a business. Okabe: Can you explain or describe the business? Miyashiro: The business is, the property actually is on the second floor, there's rentals downstairs, you can drive up. The cafe is 2,200 square feet, capacity seating is 66 people for the room. Basically, it's going to be Japanese Asian -style, I know that they're bringing in a couple chefs from Japan. Okabe: Did you receive the report? Miyashiro: Yes. Okabe: Are there any changes to the report? Miyashiro: No. Okabe: Any other public testimony today? There was no public testimony. Okabe: None. Are there any discussion or questions from the Commissioners? Taniguchi: Yes, I have a question. I'm trying to place where this is, where is it located in Kainaliu? That's the one on the second floor as you're going up on the left side? Miyashiro: You're passing Kainaliu going south, right? And it's on the left side, yes the 3-story building. Taniguchi: Before you hit Bank of Hawaii like that? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 13 OF 28 Miyashiro: Before you hit the hospital, before you hit Kona Boys, yeah? Taniguchi: Okay I think I know, looks a little bit familiar but I wasn't sure. I was looking at the map, you know I'm not that good at looking at maps, but I look at the building and can see the building. And the other question I had was, this person that's the principal, she's a pharmacist? Miyashiro: You know, I met her once and they have a little toddler, they came out to the restaurant before we actually closed our business, and I didn't know she was a pharmacist either. I don't really meet her all the time because I've only met her once, but Masakazu, I didn't know he was just the secretary, he comes over about 3-4 times a year, and we've always met and gone through the plans and what the stages are. And think their biggest setback was their original chef that they were going to bring in, and they built the plans, and working with the architect with the design and everything, he bailed out last minute. So now, they're in the process of finding another chef, and so they're supposed to be coming over in February, so we'll see. Okabe: Commissioners, are there any other questions or discussion? There was no further discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, Chair would like to entertain a motion to approve or deny Application No. T24-16? If approved, the public hearing will be held on February 6, 2025, in Kona. Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make that approval motion, Application No. T24-16, with a public hearing to be held on February 6, 2025, in Kona. Wilkinson: Wilkinson, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No. T24-16, Akatsuki International Corporation, dba TBD (To Be Determined), for a Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, currently held by Kona Stop `N Shop, Inc., dba Keei Cafe, located at 79-7511 Hawaii Belt Road, Kealakekua, Hawaii, TMK: 7-9-010:058, with public hearing to be held on February 6, 2025, in Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson. Okabe: Any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 14 OF 28 Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. 5. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10: 24 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 24-18 Mo's Fish and Chips LLC Mohala's Bay Front Fish and Chips 50 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii 2-3-004:004 Change in Kind to General from Beer and Wine and Change in Category to B1 from A, to its current Restaurant Beer and Wine liquor license, Category A Representing licensee: Candace Simpson, Owner. Okabe: Can you please state your name and the relationship to the business? Simpson: Sure, my name is Candace Simpson, and I'm the owner at Mo's. Okabe: Can you describe the business? Simpson: Yes, we are a fish and chip restaurant located in downtown Hilo. Okabe: Did you receive the report? Simpson: Yes, sure did. Okabe: Are there any changes to the report? Simpson: No. Okabe: Any other public testimony today? There was no public testimony. Okabe: Hearing none. Are there any discussion or questions from the Commissioners? Espejo: I just want to make a comment, my boys love eating at your place. Simpson: Aww, thanks. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 15 OF 28 Espejo: So, they enjoy your food. Simpson: Aww, thank you. Okabe: And what about you? Espejo: I enjoy your food too. Simpson: Well, thank you. Okabe: Chair would like to entertain a motion to approve or deny Application No. 24-18, if approved public hearing will be held on March 6, 2025, in Hilo. Wilkinson: Wilkinson, I'll make a motion to approve Application No. 24-18, and if approved, public hearing will be held on March 6, 2025, in Hilo. Espejo: And I'll second. Commissioner Wilkinson moved to approve Application No. 24-18, Mo's Fish and Chips LLC, dba Mohala's Bay Front Fish and Chips, for a Change in Kind to General from Beer and Wine, and Change in Category to B1 from A, to its current Restaurant Beer and Wine liquor license, Category A, located at 50 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-3-004:004, with public hearing to be held on March 6, 2025, in Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Espejo. Okabe: Moved and seconded, discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor of the motion please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 16 OF 28 VII. Unfinished Business (10:26 AM) Okabe: We have no Unfinished Business. VIII. New Business (10:26AM) 1. Christopher Camero Memorial VFW Post 12122, dba VFW Post 12122, RE: Application No. 19-35, pursuant to Rule 4-2-M, request approval of their (10:26 AM) Request to Extend the Time Issuance of the Liquor License for good cause shown for an additional 12 months, from August 6, 2024, to and including August 6, 2025, by email received November 29, 2024, of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2, located at 74-5543 Kaiwi Street, Suite 3-A185a and 3-A185b, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Passage requires finding of good cause pursuant to Rule 4-2(M) of the Rules and Regulations of the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawaii. If the Commission finds good cause, state what that good cause is when making the motion. Okabe: Do I have a motion to approve with good cause? Taniguchi: I move to approve, the good cause being as it states in the letter, the property was sold and they asked to stay on month -to -month to try and secure a longer term lease. Okabe: Can I have a second to that motion of good cause? Wilkinson: Wilkinson, second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve the Request to Extend the Time Issuance of the Liquor License for good cause shown for an additional 12 months, from August 6, 2024, to and including August 6, 2025, by email received November 29, 2024, of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2, located at 74-5543 Kaiwi Street, Suite 3-A185a and 3-A185b, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson. Okabe: Any discussion in regards to this? Greenwell: Maybe Brandon can shed some light on their situation seeing how you have some more information? Gonzalez: Certainly, as Commissioner Taniguchi summarized, there have been a change in circumstances for the licensee, it's under the purview of the Commission to determine if the reasoning to grant the extension has enough justification. So, to add upon what Commissioner Taniguchi said, the previous property owner was not going to MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 17 OF 28 renew the lease for this applicant/licensee, and was not going to give them a month -to - month to stay in the space, so they were put in a tough position beyond their control, that they probably going have to look for another place to get licensed. Well, there is a new property owner in place now that has given them a month -to -month lease and is negotiating with them for a long-term lease. So now it looks like they get to stay in the space, and they don't have to start the application all over for a liquor license. And so, the Department urged them to send in the request to get this extension so they can kind of stay on track to realize their business goals and dreams. And, we have to remember that the VFWs (Veterans of Foreign Wars), this is really a volunteer group trying to do all of this work, so they're juggling a lot of balls in the air, but that's the main component. The circumstances for them being able to stay at that location that changed significantly, and that's why they're submitting this request now to us, hope that helps with your decision making. Greenwell: Okay, thank you. Okabe: Any other discussion? Espejo: Brandon, so if they come to an agreement with the lease within the 12 months, they have to come back here, or are they good? Gonzalez: So, as we have it, the Commission already granted them a license, our rules require us to actually issue them a license within a certain timeframe, it just can't sit in limbo. So, that's what they trying to take care of with the Department so they don't have to come back and ask for the license all over again. They don't have to start that process all over is what I'm saying. Wilkinson: So, it's between us approving and the final inspection? Gonzalez: Yes. Okabe: Any other questions or discussion? There was no further discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 18 OF 28 2. Change in Members/Officers/Directors Submitted for Approval (10:31 AM) a. Kona, Hawaii, Lodge No. 2616, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, dba Kona Elks Club, (10:31 AM) requests approval of Change in Officers/Directors as follows: • Removal of James Booth, President and Director; Nicole Johnston, Senior Vice President; and Theresa Thomas, Secretary; effective January 23, 2024; • Removal of Arthur Chang, Vice President; Dominique Miller, Vice President; Bridget Smith, Treasurer; and Cyndee Strahm, Trustee; effective March 31, 2024; • Removal of William Steffenhagen, President and Director; effective July 29, 2024; • Election of Amber Fisher, as Trustee; effective February 27, 2023; Christopher Harris, as Vice President; Michaellola Durch, as Vice President; and Patricia Browne, as Secretary; effective February 8, 2024; Terrance Jacoby, as Trustee; effective March 14, 2024; Robert Gebbia, as Treasurer; effective May 9, 2024; Gerald Droze, as President and Director; effective August 22, 2024; and Arpad Rakoski, as Senior Vice President; effective September 12, 2024; • Personal History and Affidavits for Amber Fisher, Trustee; Christopher Harris, Vice President; Michaellola Durch, Vice President; Patricia Browne, Secretary; Terrance Jacoby, Trustee; Robert Gebbia, Treasurer; Gerald Droze, President and Director; and Arpad Rakoski, Senior Vice President; by forms received October 17, 2024; of its Club liquor license, Category B2, located at 74-5596 Pawai Place, Bays M and N, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Okabe: May I have a motion to approve? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I make the motion to approve. Wilkinson: Wilkinson, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Change in Officers/Directors as follows: Removal of James Booth, President and Director; Nicole Johnston, Senior Vice President; and Theresa Thomas, Secretary; effective January 23, 2024; Removal of Arthur Chang, Vice President; Dominique Miller, Vice President; Bridget Smith, Treasurer; and Cyndee Strahm, Trustee; effective March 31, 2024; Removal of William Steffenhagen, President and Director; effective July 29, 2024; Election of Amber Fisher, as Trustee; effective February 27, 2023; Christopher Harris, as Vice President; Michaellola Durch, as Vice President; and Patricia Browne, as Secretary; effective MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 19 OF 28 February 8, 2024; Terrance Jacoby, as Trustee; effective March 149 2024; Robert Gebbia, as Treasurer; effective May 9, 2024; Gerald Droze, as President and Director; effective August 22, 2024; and Arpad Rakoski, as Senior Vice President; effective September 12, 2024; Personal History and Affidavits for Amber Fisher, Trustee; Christopher Harris, Vice President; Michaellola Durch, Vice President; Patricia Browne, Secretary; Terrance Jacoby, Trustee; Robert Gebbia, Treasurer; Gerald Droze, President and Director; and Arpad Rakoski, Senior Vice President; by forms received October 17, 2024; of its Club liquor license, Category B2, located at 74-5596 Pawai Place, Bays M and N, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson. Okabe: Discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion carried. The motion was carried unanimously. NEXT ITEM WAS SKIPPED b. Shaka Kava LLC, dba Lava Shack, requests approval of Change in Members, and Application for Transfer of Membership Interest as follows: (10: 32 AM) • Removal of Christopher Mohrlang, Member; and the appointment of Christopher Sibel, as Member; effective September 4, 2024) by form received September 26, 2024; • 100% Transfer of Membership Interest to Christopher Sibel, Member; effective September 28, 2024, by form received November 30, 2024; • Personal History and Affidavit for Christopher Sibel, Member; of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2, located at 15-2929 Old Pahoa Village Road, Pahoa, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 20 OF 28 Okabe: We're going to move onto Item No. 3 because Shaka Kava LLC is on the road trying to get to this meeting so we're moving on to No. 3. 3. Permits Issued for Ratification (10:32 AM) a. Christopher Camero Memorial VFW Post 12122, dba VFW Post 12122, ratify Application for Game Permits, for an event on January 16, 2025; and events from January 1-31, 2025; approved by Director Gerald Takase on December 23, 2024; of its Special General liquor license, located at 74-5543 Kaiwi Street, Suite 3-A185a and 3-A185b, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. b. Aunty Yong's Place, LLC, dba Aunty Yong's Place, ratify Request to Transfer Liquor Inventory to Aunty Yong's Place, LLC, dba 688K Bar and Grill, approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on January 2, 2025, of its Dispenser General liquor license, B2 and D, located at the KOkOau Plaza, 688 Kino`ole Street, Unit 128, Hilo, Hawaii. Okabe: May I have a motion to ratify? Taniguchi: Move to ratify. Wilkinson: Wilkinson, second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to ratify Permits Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 3(a) and 3(b), as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson. Okabe: Any discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 21 OF 28 4. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:33 AM) a. License No. SP-24-090, North Kohala Community Resource Center, dba North Kohala Community Resource Center, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on February 22, 2025, held at the Puakea Ranch, 56-2864 Akoni Pule Highway, Hawi, Hawaii. b. License No. SP-24-091, Aloha Performing Arts Company, dba Aloha Theatre, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on December 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 2024, held at 79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, Hawaii. C. License No. SP-24-092, Christopher Camero Memorial VFW Post 12122, dba Christopher Camero Memorial VFW Post 12122, for a Special General liquor license, for events on December 1, 2024 - January 31, 2025, held at 74-5543 Kaiwi Street, Suite 185A, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. d. License No. SP-24-093, Volcano Art Center, dba Volcano Art Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on December 14, 2024, held at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano, Hawaii. e. License No. SP-24-094, Penn Hawaii Youth Foundation, dba Penn Hawaii Youth Foundation, for a Special Beer liquor license, for an event on December 21, 2024, held at777 Kino`ole Street, Hilo, Hawaii. f. License No. SP-24-095, Hawaii Island Humane Society, dba Hawaii Island Humane Society, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on March 22, 2025, held at the Hualalai Ballroom, 72-100 Ka`upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. g. License No. SP-24-096, The Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba The Kahilu Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on January 10, 11, 16, 19, & 26, 2025, held at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii. h. License No. SP-24-097, Kona Elks Club, dba Kona Elks Club, for a Special General liquor license, for events from January 1-31, 2025, held at 75-170 Hualalai Road, Suite E-100, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. i. License No. SP-24-098, Kalani Honua, Inc., dba Kalani Honua, Inc., for a Special General liquor license, for an event on December 31, 2024) held at 12-6870 Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road, Pahoa, Hawaii. j. License No. SP-24-099, Aloha Performing Arts Company, dba Aloha Theatre, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on December 28 & 29, 2024, held at 79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 22 OF 28 Okabe: May I have a motion to ratify? Wilkinson: Wilkinson, so moved. Okabe: Second? Taniguchi: Second. Commissioner Wilkinson moved to ratify Special Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 4(a) through 40), License Nos. SP-24-090 through SP-24-099, as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. Okabe: Is there any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion carried. The motion was carried unanimously. 5. Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:33 AM) a. License No. TV-24-025, Carnival License Holdings Limited, dba Carnival Radiance, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on January 20, February 17, March 17, & April 14, 2025. b. License No. TV-24-026, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd., dba Sapphire Princess, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on April 14, 2025. C. License No. TV-24-027, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd., dba Grand Princess, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on January 23, February 15, March 3 & 29, 2025. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 23 OF 28 d. License No. TV-24-028, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd., dba Ruby Princess, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; and Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii; on January 8, February 7 & 28, March 24, April 9, 2025 (Hilo); February 6, 2025 (Kona). e. License No. TV-24-029, Intercruises as agents for Azamara Onward, dba Azamara Onward, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on January 12, 2025. f. License No. TV-24-030, Oceania Cruises Ltd., dba Ms Nautica, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on January 16, 2025. g. License No. TV-24-031, Oceania Cruises Ltd., dba Ms Nautica, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on January 14, 2025. Okabe: Can I have a motion to ratify? Greenwell: Greenwell, make the motion to ratify. Wilkinson: Wilkinson, second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 5(a) through 5(g), License Nos. TV-24-025 through TV-24-031, as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Wilkinson. Okabe: Any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please signify by saying "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 24 OF 28 IX. Announcements (10:34 AM) Meetings of the Liquor Commission February 6, 2025, 10:00 A.M., Kona Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. March 6, 2025, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii. RECESS 10: 35 A.M. RECONVENE 10:47 A.M. RETURNED TO SKIPPED ITEM VIII. New Business (10:47AM) b. Shaka Kava LLC, dba Lava Shack, requests approval of Change in Members, and Application for Transfer of Membership Interest as follows: (10:47 AM) • Removal of Christopher Mohrlang, Member; and the appointment of Christopher Sibel, as Member; effective September 4, 2024) by form received September 26, 2024; • 100% Transfer of Membership Interest to Christopher Sibel, Member; effective September 28, 2024, by form received November 30, 2024; • Personal History and Affidavit for Christopher Sibel, Member; of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2, located at 15-2929 Old Pahoa Village Road, Pahoa, Hawaii. Representing licensee: Christopher Sibel, Owner, and Tishanna Sibel, Partner. Okabe: Good morning, I'd like to ask that you state your name and relationship to the business? Sibel (Christopher): My name is Christopher Sibel, I'm the new owner. This is my wife Shan. Sibel (Tishanna): Yes, Tishanna Sibel. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 25 OF 28 Okabe: Can you describe your business for us? Sibel (Christopher): It's like a bar and lounge, we're offering food, spirits, cocktails, and mocktails. Okabe: Can you explain the Change in Members and Transfer of Membership Interest? Sibel (Christopher): The previous owner, he sold us the LLC (Limited Liability Company), so we've acquired it, we're doing a seller financing with him, he didn't want to do the business anymore, and we were looking to find a spot in Hilo but that one became available, and it was a business already established, so we went that route instead. Okabe: Commissioners, are there any questions or discussion in regards to this business? Greenwell: Is the business primarily the same, or are you making changes? Sibel (Christopher): It's somewhat the same, we're trying to change the atmosphere, make it a little more happier vibe, and we're also serving food, where he didn't serve food. Greenwell: He did not serve food? Sibel (Christopher): No. Espejo: I'm glad you're looking for a happier vibe, in the past I used to play at that club when it was Pahoa Lounge, so I have friends that still visit your establishment, and they said that you've been doing some nice things fixing the place up and slowly changing things up a little bit. Sibel (Christopher): Yeah, we cleaned it up, we like opened up the ceiling, we've just done a lot of new painting, added new lighting, we got rid of one of the pool tables because we wanted to make more lounge seating back there as well, so we made some room for that. We put some TVs (televisions) up in the back so we could like show some NFL (National Football League) games and stuff like that on Sunday. Espejo: So, not as dark? Sibel (Christopher): No. Sibel (Tishanna): It is not dark, no. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 26 OF 28 Sibel (Christopher): It's not, we got rid of the black and red night colors, it's like blue and white. Espejo: It must be you then that's doing that? Sibel (Tishanna): Yes. We added lighting throughout the entire building, there's rope lighting, we changed the theme, it's more of a bohemian glam (glamorous) theme now. There's lounge seating in the area where he used to just keep all that stuff, like the musical sound equipment. So now that little partition is removed so it's opened up, we've made it much more structurally sound, we went and added beams all the way around to support the structure from where it was added on in the back. We added bistro lighting in the back to make it safer, we've retiled the floors, we have a new bar top. We've really worked with all of the members that have done everything inside of the bar, really it's from the community. The wood is repurposed from the 2018 lava flow, so it's saved wood, the tables are made from saved wood. We've cleaned the place from top to bottom, we've taken out all of the dirt, we reduced the rodent issues, and I mean it's very clean. It's very light, we've opened it up, we've made it so it's a safe space for people to come and just have a good time, and the community has seemed to have really enjoyed it a lot so far, that has been our feedback. They're like, "Oh my God, it's so beautiful in here." They really like the lighter colors and the seating, so those are just some of the changes that we made. Espejo: Great, I guess I gotta go back down there then. Sibel (Tishanna): Yes. Okabe: Any other questions, Commissioners? There was no further discussion by Commissioners. Gonzalez: Hey Chris, are you guys currently open? Sibel (Christopher): We opened up New Years Eve, yes. Okabe: I'd like to entertain a motion to approve the Change in Members and Transfer of Membership Interest. Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve the Change in Members and Transfer of the Membership Interest. Espejo: Espejo, second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 27 OF 28 Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Change in Members and Application for Transfer of Membership Interest as follows: Removal of Christopher Mohrlang, Member; and the appointment of Christopher Sibel, as Member; effective September 4, 20249 by form received September 26, 2024; 100% Transfer of Membership Interest to Christopher Sibel, Member; effective September 28, 2024, by form received November 30, 2024; Personal History and Affidavit for Christopher Sibel, Member; of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2, located at 15-2929 Old Pahoa Village Road, Pahoa, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Espejo. Okabe: Any discussion to the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Okabe: Hearing none, all in favor please say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Okabe: All opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Okabe: Motion carried. The motion was carried unanimously. X. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 10:52 A.M.]cd Takase Director The January 9, 2025 meeting minutes were approved as circulated, via email on January 30, 2025, by the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawaii on February 6, 2025. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETII,; THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 - HILO PAGE 28 OF 28