HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-04 Liquor Commission Agenda HiloLIQUOR CONTROL 11/26/2025 12:40 PM
C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D.
Mayor
William V. Brilhante, Jr.
Managing Director
Merrick Nishimoto
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawaii
LIQUOR COMMISSION
Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4261
(808) 961-8218 • Fax (808) 961-8684
E-Mail: cohdlc@hawaiicounty.gov
DATE: Thursday, December 4, 2025
TIME: 10:00 A.M.
PLACE: Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control,
Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii
Gerald A. Takase
Director
Wil Okabe, Chair
David Greenwell, Vice Chair
Steve Morifuji, Commissioner
Gene Nakashima, Commissioner
Laurisa Nishimoto, Commissioner
Alan Okamoto, Commissioner
Arthur Taniguchi, Commissioner
Melvin Ventura, Commissioner
Jennifer Yadao, Commissioner
Public Testimony may be done in person, or in writing by email, fax, or
mail/walk-in. To ensure timely delivery to the Commission, written testimony
must be received by 12:00 noon on the business day prior to the meeting by:
(1) Email: cohdlc(a_hawaiicounty.gov; (2) Fax: (808) 961-8684; or (3) Mail/walk-in:
101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, H196720. Indicate agenda item submitting for;
submit separate testimony for each item. All testimony regardless of time of
receipt will be part of the permanent record.
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
II. Approval of Minutes — November 6, 2025, Regular Session
November 6, 2025, Executive Session
III. Approval of Addendum and/or Supplemental Agenda
IV. Public Statements on Agenda Items
V. Public Hearings
1. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
2. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
25-05
GKM, Inc.
Ko`a Honokohau Harbor
74-425 Kealakehe Parkway, Space No. 17,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
7-4-008:042
Original Restaurant General liquor license,
Category B 1
25-06
Black Onyx Entertainment LLC
Black Onyx
202 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii
2-3-007:015
Original Cabaret liquor license
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
LIQUOR CONTROL 11/26/2025 12:40 PM
VI. Preliminary Hearings
1. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
2. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
25-09
is u ko's L L C
Itsuko's Kitchen / Banzai 47
1550 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii
2-2-032:010
Original Restaurant General, Category B2
25-10
Morn i ngwood, LLC
Morn i ngwood
68-1845 Waikoloa Road, Suite 107-109,
Waikoloa, Hawaii
TM K: 6-8-003:007
LICENSE APPLIED FOR: Original Restaurant General, Category B2
VII. Unfinished Business
1. Referral for Executive Session Regarding the Selection Process
for the New Director of the Department of Liquor Control
The Commission anticipates convening an executive meeting pursuant to
Sections 92-4 and 92-5(a)(4) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended,
for the purpose of consulting with the Commission's attorney on questions and
issues pertaining to the Commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities,
and liabilities, as it relates to determining the selection process for the new
Director of the Department of Liquor Control.
A 2/3 vote of the members present is necessary to hold an executive meeting,
pursuant to Section 92-4(a) of the Hawaii Revised Statues, as amended.
Vill. New Business
1. Request to Extend the Time for Issuance of License Submitted for Approval
a. MamaMaria L.L.C., dba Gill's Lanai, requesting to extend the time
for issuance of the liquor license for good cause shown for an additional
12 months, from January 4, 2026, to and including January 4, 2027) by
letter received November 7, 2025, of its Restaurant General liquor license,
Category 131 „ located at 54-3866 Akoni Pule Highway, Kapa`au, Hawaii.
AGENDA - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025 - HILO PAGE 2 OF 6
LIQUOR CONTROL 11/26/2025 12:40 PM
2. Change in Business Entity Name/Trade Name (DBA)/Directors
Submitted for Approval
a. Kowa Premium Foods Hawaii Corporation, dba Kowa Premium
Foods Hawaii Corporation, requesting approval of Change in Business
Entity Name and Trade Name (DBA), from Kowa Premium Foods Hawaii
Corporation, dba Kowa Premium Foods Hawaii Corporation; to Kona
Aquaculture Inc., dba Big Island Abalone, of its Retail General liquor
license, located at 73-357 Makako Bay Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
b. Hilo Yacht Club, dba Hilo Yacht Club, requesting approval of
Change in Directors as follows:
• Removal of Justin Barrios, Director, effective June 30, 2025;
• Appointment of Joseph Wolf, as Director, effective July 31, 2025;
• Personal History and Affidavit for Joseph Wolf, Director;
by form received October 9, 2025; of its Club liquor license, Category B2,
located at 77 Laehala Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
3. Permits Issued for Ratification
a. Kohanaiki Club, Inc., dba Kohanaiki Club, Inc., ratification of
Application for Game Permit, for an event on December 28, 2025)
approved by Director Gerald Takase on October 29, 2025; of its Club
liquor license, Category B2, located at 73-4676 Queen Ka`ahumanu
Highway, Mile Marker 95, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
b. Volcano Vineyards, LLC, dba Volcano Winery, ratification of Application
for Entertainment Permits, for an event on November 9, 2025, approved
by Director Gerald Takase on November 6, 2025; and for an event on
November 22, 2025, approved by Director Gerald Takase on November
21, 2025; of its Winery liquor license, Category A, located at the Volcano
Golf Course Subdivision, 35 Pi`i Mauna Drive, Volcano, Hawaii.
C. Accor Management US Inc., dba The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii,
ratification of Application for Game Permit, for an event on May 21, 2026,
approved by Director Gerald Takase on November 7, 2025, of its Hotel
liquor license, located at One North Kaniku Drive, Kohala Coast, Hawaii.
d. Ross Uehara-Tilton, Solicitor, Kaimuki Selections, ratification of
Application for Solicitor's Permit, for possession of liquor for sampling
to buyers, approved by Director Gerald Takase on November 18, 2025;
of its Wholesaler -General liquor license, located at 3408 Waialae Avenue,
Suite 9, Honolulu, Hawaii.
AGENDA - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025 - HILO PAGE 3 OF 6
LIQUOR CONTROL 11/26/2025 12:40 PM
e. HabanBilan Farm and Forest LLC, dba Kvasir's Mead, ratification
of Application for Product Tasting by Class 1 Manufacturer's License, for
an event on December 10, 2025, to be held at the Koana Cultural Center,
18-1323 Old Volcano Road, Mountain View, Hawaii, approved by Director
Gerald Takase on November 20, 2025, of its Manufacturer Wine liquor
license, located at 11-3245 Hibiscus Street, Mountain View, Hawaii.
4. Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification
a. Kuleana Spirits, Inc., dba Kuleana Rum Shack, ratification of
Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for events
on November 8, and November 12, 2025, approved by Licensing Officer
Stacie Waltjen on November 4, 2025; and for an event on November 28,
2025, approved by Director Gerald Takase on November 25, 2025; of
its Small Craft Producer Pub liquor license, Category B1, located at the
Queens' MarketPlace, 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Spaces H5, H6
and H7, Waikoloa, Hawaii.
b. Island Hopper Pahoa LLC, dba Island Hopper Taproom, ratification
of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an
event on December 6, 2025, approved by Director Gerald Takase on
November 7, 2025, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1,
located at The Shops at Mauna Lani, 68-1330 Mauna Lani Drive,
Suite 108, Kamuela, Hawaii.
C. Napua Hilo LLC, dba Lehua Restaurant at Imiloa, ratification of
Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an
event on November 13, 2025, approved by Director Gerald Takase on
November 12, 2025; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2,
located at 600 `Imiloa Place, Hilo, Hawaii.
5. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification
a. License No. SP-25-066, The Friends of the Palace Theater,
dba The Friends of the Palace Theater, for a Special Beer and
Wine liquor license, for an event on October 31, 2025, held at the
Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
b. License No. SP-25-067, The Friends of the Palace Theater,
dba The Friends of the Palace Theater, for a Special Beer and
Wine liquor license, for an event on November 7, 2025, held at the
Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
C. License No. SP-25-068, Fraternal Order of Eagles, dba Fraternal
Order of Eagles, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for
events on November 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29; December 5-6, 12-13,
15, 19-20, 27, 2025, held at 16-111 `Opukaha`ia Street, Kea`au, Hawaii.
AGENDA - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025 - HILO PAGE 4 OF 6
LIQUOR CONTROL 11/26/2025 12:40 PM
d. License No. SP-25-069, Aloha Performing Arts Company,
dba Aloha Theatre, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license,
for events on November 7-16, 2025, held at the Aloha Theatre,
79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, Hawaii.
e. License No. SP-25-070, Breast Cancer Hawaii Inc., dba Breast
Cancer Hawaii Inc., for a Special General liquor license, for events
on November 15-16, 2026, held at 78-7190 Kaleiopapa Street,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
f. License No. SP-25-071, Aloha Performing Arts Company,
dba Aloha Theatre, for a Special General liquor license, for events
on November 21-23, 28-30; December 5-7, 2025, held at the Aloha
Theatre, 79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, Hawaii.
g. License No. SP-25-072, The Friends of the Palace Theater,
dba The Friends of the Palace Theater, for a Special Beer and
Wine liquor license, for an event on November 21, 2025, held at
the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
h. License No. SP-25-073, The Friends of the Palace Theater,
dba The Friends of the Palace Theater, for a Special Beer and
Wine liquor license, for an event on November 22, 2025, held at
the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
i. License No. SP-25-074, The Friends of the Palace Theater,
dba The Friends of the Palace Theater, for a Special Beer and
Wine liquor license, for an event on November 28, 2025, held at
the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
j. License No. SP-25-075, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba Kahilu
Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for
events on December 4, 67 12, 14, 19-20, & 23, 2025, held at 67-1186
Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii.
k. License No. SP-25-076, ACF Kona Kohala Chefs Charitable &
Educational Fund, dba ACF Kona Kohala Chefs Charitable &
Educational Fund, for a Special General liquor license, for an event
on December 13, 2025, held at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa,
78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
I. License No. SP-25-077, Japanese Chamber of Commerce &
Industry of Hawaii, dba Japanese Chamber of Commerce &
Industry of Hawaii, for a Special General liquor license, for an
event on December 5, 2025, held at the `Imiloa Astronomy Center,
600 `Imiloa Place, Hilo, Hawaii.
AGENDA - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025 - HILO PAGE 5 OF 6
LIQUOR CONTROL 11/26/2025 12:40 PM
6. Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification
a. License No. TV-25-026, AIDA Cruises, dba AIDADIVA, for a
Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii,
on December 28-29, 2025.
b. License No. TV-25-027, Innersea Discoveries LLC, dba My Safari
Explorer, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on November 15, 29; December 13, 27, 2025;
January 10, 24; February 7, 21; March 7, 21; April 4, 18, 2026.
C. License No. TV-25-028, Carnival plc, dba Queen Mary 2, for a
Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona
Hawaii, on February 12, 2026.
d. License No. TV-25-029, Seven Seas Cruises Ltd., dba
Ms Seven Seas Mariner, for a Transient Vessel liquor license,
in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on January 29, 2026.
7. Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2026
IX. Announcements
Meetings of the Liquor Commission
December 15, 20259 9:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor
Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii.
January 8, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor
Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii.
February 5, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Kona Meeting Room, Department of
Liquor Control, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
X. Adjournment
For information relative to any of the above -mentioned applications and/or procedures for protesting
against a liquor license, call the Department of Liquor Control at (808) 961-8218.
Anyone requiring auxiliary aid / service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact the
Department of Liquor Control at (808) 961-8218, or by email at cohdlc@hawaiicounty.gov,
as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible have a greater likelihood of being fulfilled.
Upon request, this notice is available in alternate accessible formats.
AGENDA -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY. DECEMBER 4, 2025 - HILO PAGE 6 OF 6