HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-04 Liquor Commission Minutes HiloCOUNTY OF HAWAI`I
DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL
LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES — DECEMBER 4, 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
Steve Morifuji, Commissioner
Gene Nakashima, Commissioner
Laurisa Nishimoto, Commissioner
Alan Okamoto, Commissioner
Arthur Taniguchi, Commissioner
Melvin Ventura, Commissioner
Jennifer Yadao, Commissioner
Absent and Excused: None
Others Present: Gerald Takase, Director
Brandon Gonzalez, Administrative Officer
Cameron Takamura, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Stacie Waltjen, Licensing Officer
ZoeAnn Bertelmann, Licensing Technician
Hau`oli Sayles, Commission Secretary
Okabe: Please silence your phones and devices. This meeting is being recorded, and
the microphones in this room do not amplify your voice but only record what is being
said, so speak loud, clear, and one at a time so the recording is understandable. We
will now take role, please say present when your name is called.
Sayles: Vice Chair Greenwell.
Greenwell: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Morifuji.
Morifuji: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Nakashima.
Nakashima: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Nishimoto.
Nishimoto: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Okamoto.
Okamoto: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Taniguchi.
Taniguchi: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Ventura.
Ventura: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Yadao.
Yadao: Present.
Sayles: Chair Okabe.
Okabe: Present.
Sayles: Others present are Director Gerald Takase, Administrative Officer Brandon
Gonzalez, Deputy Corporation Counsel Cameron Takamura, Licensing Officer Stacie
Waltjen, Licensing Technician Zoe Bertlemann, and Commission Secretary Hau`oli
Sayles.
II. Approval of Minutes — November 6, 2025, Regular Session (10:01 AM)
November 6, 2025, Executive Session
Okabe: The November 6, 2025, regular session minutes is still a work in progress and
will be sent out as soon as possible. The November 6, 2025, executive session minutes
were circulated via email on December 1, 2025. Chair would like to entertain a motion
to approve the executive session minutes as circulated?
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve the executive session
minutes as circulated.
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Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the
November 6, 2025, Liquor Commission executive session
minutes as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Okabe: Is there any discussion, Commissioners, on the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all those 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.
III. Approval of Addendum and/or Supplemental Agenda (10:02 AM)
Okabe: There is no addendum and/or supplemental agenda.
IV. Public Statements on Agenda Items (10:02 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:
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 131
Representing applicant: Shane O'Brien, Owner.
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Okabe: Can you state your name and relationship to the business?
O'Brien: Shane O'Brien, and I'm the President and owner of GKM, Inc.
Okabe: Okay, can you please describe your business?
O'Brien: So, the overall business is a boat yard and shipyard facility that leases space
to numerous different businesses. This location that we are opening up the restaurant
in has been two previous restaurants and have been vacant for the last two years, so
we are going to operate a restaurant in the space ourselves.
Okabe: Did you receive the report?
O'Brien: Yes.
Okabe: Any changes to the report?
O'Brien: No.
Okabe: Director, are there any reports of protests?
Takase: Mr. Chairman, the applicant mailed 65 out of 65 notices within 100 feet, 69 out
of 69 notices within 500 feet. There were 37 properties entitled to protest, there were
no protests to the application.
Okabe: Any public testimony?
There was no public testimony.
Okabe: Commissioners, do you have any questions or discussion or anything on this?
Morifuji: I do, Chair. According to the report, you were waiting for a building permit?
O'Brien: Yes.
Morifuji: What's the status on that?
O'Brien: We are probably a few days away from the permit being issued and
construction is going to be quick, it's a single unisex ADA (Americans with Disabilities
Act) restroom. Our restrooms on file, we have a separate womens and mens ADA
(Americans with Disabilities Act) restroom currently, but we wanted to put in another
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) unisex in the building itself. So, we're probably a
week away from getting that permit, and construction itself will take another 4 weeks.
Morifuji: The distance between your proposed restaurant and the common area
bathrooms, there's no lights in the area, yeah?
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O'Brien: There is no lights in between that area, no not right now.
Morifuji: Okay, so it's important that you get that building permits so you can get that
done.
O'Brien: It is, and it's just the convenience factor, it would be better for everybody to
have it right there, yeah and installing lights and even ground guide lights is not out of
the question for us to do, because I'd like to do that anyway. Some of those you know,
traffic rated lights because it would be nice to have a lit pathway, just no confusion,
guide people straight there.
Morifuji: Perfect. How about the DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources)
status and approval?
O'Brien: So, we have approval and consent, it took a little while, have you know it
takes time, they're busy and they're swamped, but they got it to us just in time, so they
gave us consent for everything we asked for.
Morifuji: Thank you.
O'Brien: Thank you.
Okabe: Any other questions, Commissioners?
There was no further discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Okay, thank you. Commissioners, can I have a motion to close the public
hearing?
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to close the public hearing on
Application No. 25-05.
Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to close the public
hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: All those in favor please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Okabe: All opposed "Nay."
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There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Okabe: Motion is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Okabe: Commissioners, I'd like to have a motion to approve or deny Application No.
25-05, pending final inspection?
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve Application No. 25-05,
pending final inspection.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No.
25-05, GKM, Inc., dba Ko`a Honokohau Harbor, for an Original
Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at
74-425 Kealakehe Parkway, Space No. 17, Kailua-Kona,
Hawaii, TMK: 7-4-008:042, pending final inspection;
Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, is there any discussion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all those 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.
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2.
(10:06 AM)
APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
25-06
Black Onyx Entertainment LLC
Black Onyx
202 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii
2-3-007:015
Original Cabaret liquor license
Representing applicant: Tasmine Curenton, Owner.
Okabe: Can you please state your name and also relationship to the business?
Curenton: Good morning, my name is Tasmine Curenton, and I am the Owner and
Manager of Black Onyx Entertainment.
Okabe: Can you please describe your business?
Curenton: Black Onyx Entertainment is an entertainment lounge primarily focused on
the music industry, live music, DJ (disc jockey) performances with occasional additional
events such as magic shows, comedy shows, geared to bring the community together
and create and to foster a community of creativity and really music focused stuff.
Okabe: Have you received the report?
Curenton: Yes, sir.
Okabe: Are there any changes to the report?
Curenton: No, sir.
Okabe: Director, are there any reports of protests?
Takase: Mr. Chairman, the applicant mailed 18 out of 18 notices within 100 feet, 96 out
of 96 within 500 feet, there were 88 properties entitled to protest, and we received no
protests to this application.
Okabe: Is there any public testimony on this applicant?
There was no public testimony.
Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, do you have any questions or discussion?
Morifuji: I have one, your hours listed on the report here, I wasn't at the preliminary
hearing, so is there a reason why on a Monday you close at 4:00 a.m.?
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Curenton: So, prior to Hilo Tavern closing down, Monday was going to be preserved
for an open mic / open house for the individuals that perform live music and DJ (disc
jockey) as well. But, instead of an open mic it was going to be open house, so those
individuals, Hilo is not that large, so it was going to be a continuation starting at Kukuau
Jazz into Hilo Tavern, and then ending at Black Onyx.
Morifuji: And, I noticed on Friday and the Sunday you may extend to 4:00 a.m. for
permitted special events, what kind of permitted special events are these?
Curenton: For example, I would ask for a special event for upcoming New Year's Eve
to 4:00 a.m., so it would be a specific event, it wouldn't be normal business hours.
Takase: I don't know if that has to be permitted because if we give her the cabaret, she
would be able to open till 4:00 a.m. I don't think she's planning to have that as her
regular business hours.
Curenton: Correct, sir.
Morifuji: Okay, so you're not going to open till 4:00 a.m. every day, it has to be a
permitted event, is that what you're saying?
Curenton: It was my intention to inform the Board when I intended to stay open until
4:00 a.m., sir.
Morifuji: Perfect, thank you.
Okabe: Any other questions, Commissioners?
Taniguchi: I have, so prior to this have you had experience doing these types of
businesses?
Curenton: Not as a manager, I am active duty military, I've been in the military for
15 years now, and I've been to over 34 countries solo travel where I've intentionally
attended entertainment events such as concerts and assisted with the promoting and
selecting talent, and so it's just a passion of mine.
Taniguchi: So, were you not aware that you required a liquor license to sell liquor
previously?
Curenton: Originally, I was under the pretense that I was able to accept donations, sir.
It was to my understanding that as long as I wasn't selling it, that I can accept donations
for the alcohol. So, when I originally opened Black Onyx, I had intentions to, we have
on the schedule a night, it's called Seniors Night for 50 and above, and my intention was
to install a lift for the bathroom due to the plumbing. And so, originally we went into
what I was assuming incorrectly was a fundraiser to raise the $8,800.00 lift, and so we
posted it on the website, and we also posted it on the bar, and I was receiving donations
in exchange for alcohol at the time, sir.
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Taniguchi: Okay.
Okabe: Any other questions?
Morifuji: I have a follow-up one. That's an old building and street that you're going to
go in there and try something that brings the business back downtown, but the
bathroom, is that ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant?
Curenton: Not with the stairs, sir.
Morifuji: So, how were you gonna address that?
Curenton: At this time looking into the size of a ramp because of the height in the
plumbing, it looks like it would have to be a 15 foot ramp and I'm working with the
architect at the time, and that's as far as I've got so far, sir.
Okabe: Any other questions, Commissioners?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, I'd like to entertain a motion to close the public hearing?
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to close the public hearing.
Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to close the public
hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, 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."
Okabe: All opposed "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Okabe: Motion is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
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Okabe: Commissioners, another motion to approve or deny Application No. 25-06,
pending final inspection?
Ventura: Ventura, move to approve Application No. 25-06, pending final inspection.
Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Ventura moved to approve Application No.
25-06, Black Onyx Entertainment LLC, dba Black Onyx, for an
Original Cabaret liquor license, located at 202 Kamehameha
Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-3-007:015, pending final
inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, discussion to the motion, Commissioners?
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.
VI. Preliminary Hearings (10: 14 AM)
1. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10: 14 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TMK:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
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
Representing applicant: Mandy Castro and Matthew Castro, Co -owners.
Okabe: Can you please state your name and relationship to the business.
Castro (Mandy): Hi, good morning, my name is Mandy Castro.
Castro (Matthew): Matthew Castro.
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Castro (Mandy): We're the owners.
Okabe: Okay, can you please describe your business?
Castro (Mandy): So, we initially started as a cafe which is open right now currently,
and we came from a food truck, so we opened as a cafe to kind of get people to know
where we are and what's going on, that something is happening there at 1550. So, the
cafe side and the event side is going to be Itsuko's cafe side, and then it's under Itsuko's
LLC (Limited Liability Company), and then we're going to have Banzai 47, which is the
bar that was the previous E Komo Mai.
Okabe: Have you received the application report?
Castro (Mandy): (Inaudible, nodded indicating yes).
Okabe: Okay, any changes to the report?
Castro (Mandy): (Inaudible, shake head indicating no).
Okabe: No, okay. Is there any public testimony in regards to this applicant?
There was no public testimony.
Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, do you have any questions or discussion on
this applicant?
Morifuji: I noticed the lease is forthcoming, what's the status?
Castro (Mandy): So, it's currently still under Elaine Nakatani, but we did submit all the
documents to DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) to do the transfer of
lease.
Gonzalez: In response to the Chairs questions about receiving the application report
and changes to the report, let the record reflect that they nodded yes, indicating they
received the report, and then they shook their head left to right indicating no, they did
not have any changes to the report.
Okabe: Any other questions, Commissioners?
There was no further discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, I would like to entertain a motion to approve or deny Application
No. 25-09? If approved, public hearing to be held on February 5, 2026, in Kona.
Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, move to approve Application No. 25-09.
If approved, public hearing to be held February 5, 2026, in Kona.
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Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application No. 25-09,
Itsuko's LLC, dba Itsuko's Kitchen / Banzai 47, for an Original
Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 1550
Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-2-032:010, with public
hearing to be held on February 5, 2026, in Kona, Hawaii; Seconded
by Commissioner Taniguchi.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, discussion to the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all those 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.
2. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10: 17 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TMK:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
25-10
Morningwood LLC
Morningwood
68-1845 Waikoloa Road, Suite 107-109,
Waikoloa, Hawaii
6-8-003:007
Original Restaurant General, Category B2
Representing applicant: Michael Hoover, Owner, and Jason Criswell,
Director of Operations.
Okabe: Can you please state your name and the relationship to the business.
Hoover: Hi, my name is Michael Hoover, and I'm the Owner of Morningwood LLC.
Criswell: My name is Jason Criswell, I am Director of Operations at Morningwood.
Okabe: Okay, can you please describe your business?
Hoover: Yes, it's a breakfast lunch menu, it's in an old Italian restaurant, the vacancy
had been there for about three years, and we've acquired the building and want to open
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up a breakfast facility because there's not very many in the area, and something for the
community, it's really important.
Okabe: Have you received the application report?
Hoover: Yes.
Okabe: Any changes?
Hoover: No.
Okabe: Okay, no changes. Any public testimony for this applicant?
There was no public testimony.
Okabe: Hearing none. Commissioners, any discussion or questions on this applicant?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, Commissioners can I have a motion to approve or deny
Application No. 25-10? If approved, public hearing to be held on February 5, 2026, in
Kona.
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve the Application No. 25-10,
with a public hearing to be held February 5, 2026, in Kona.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application No. 25-10,
Morningwood LLC, dba Morningwood, for an Original Restaurant
General liquor license, Category B2, located at 68-1845 Waikoloa
Road, Suite 107-109, Waikoloa, Hawaii, TMK: 6-8-003:007, with
public hearing to be held on February 5, 2026, in Kona, Hawaii;
Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, discussion to the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Okabe: All opposed "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
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Okabe: Motion is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
VII. Unfinished Business (10: 19 AM)
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.
VIII. New Business (10:19AM)
Okabe: I'd like to call for public testimony for new business items. Let the record reflect
there is no one from the public present to testify.
1. Request to Extend the Time for Issuance of License Submitted for Approval
(10:19 AM) 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.
Approving the extension request 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 the good cause is when making the motion.
Okabe: Do I have a motion for approval with good cause?
Greenwell: I'll make the motion to approve with good cause that we give him an
extension for one year based on the fact that they are still having problems with the
Planning Department.
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Taniguchi: I'll second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the request 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 B1, located at 54-3866 Akoni Pule Highway, Kapa`au,
Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi.
Okabe: Okay, moved and seconded, any discussion to the motion?
Greenwell: Gerald, does it look like that they're going to be able to put it together?
Takase: You know it's kind of out of their hands, they've completed their construction
and everything, so they're really just trying to get Planning and I don't know, Building
as well to approve. You know, we went out to look at the facility and it's kind of unique
because it started off as a house up on top of the hill. They constructed kind of a mid-
level lanai area, and then there's also a facility at the bottom right along the roadway.
So, they're using that area right now but the other two, they're still waiting to get
approvals. So, I don't know that they have to do anything more, they kind of submitted
everything and they keep going back and forth with Planning about the submittals and
things. So, I'm hopeful they will get it you know, they've been waiting for probably over
a year now. In our eyes they've worked diligently at completing their process. So, you
know they're just being hung up by the bureaucracy at this point.
Greenwell: This is their second extension?
Takase: Yes.
Greenwell: Okay, thank you.
Okabe: Any other discussion regarding the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Okabe: All opposed "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Okabe: Motion is carried.
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The motion was carried unanimously.
2. Change in Business Entity Name/Trade Name (DBA)/Directors
Submitted for Approval
(10:22 AM)
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.
Okabe: I'd like to entertain a motion.
Taniguchi: Move to approve.
Yadao: Second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve the 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; Seconded by Commissioner Yadao.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, 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."
Okabe: All opposed "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Okabe: Motion is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
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b. Hilo Yacht Club, dba Hilo Yacht Club, requesting approval
of Change in Directors as follows:
(10:23 AM)
• 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.
Okabe: Can I entertain a motion to approve?
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the 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; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, discussion to the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all those 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.
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3. Permits Issued for Ratification (10:24 AM)
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.
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.
Taniguchi: Move to ratify.
Greenwell: Greenwell, second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to ratify Permits Issued
for Ratification, Item Nos. 3(a) through 3(e), as stated in
the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, discussion to the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye."
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The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Okabe: All opposed "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Okabe: Motion is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
4. Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification (10:24 AM)
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.
Okabe: Motion to ratify?
Greenwell: Greenwell, I'll make the motion to ratify.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Temporary
Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification,
Item Nos. 4(a) through 4(c), as stated in the agenda;
Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
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Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion to the motion?
Morifuji: I have one. Island Hopper LLC, this may be a typo, I'm not sure but is that
500 people attending that event? And if it's 500, of course the landlord has to submit
his approval, did they?
Waltjen: They submitted the approval, yes.
Morifuji: Thank you.
Okabe: Okay, any other discussion to Item No. 4?
There was no further discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Okabe: All opposed "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Okabe: Okay, motion is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
5. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:26 AM)
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.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025 - HILO PAGE 20 OF 28
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.
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Okabe: Can I have a motion to ratify?
Taniguchi: Move to ratify.
Greenwell: Greenwell, second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to ratify Special Licenses
Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 5(a) through 5(I), License Nos.
SP-25-066 through SP-25-077, as stated in the agenda; Seconded
by Commissioner Greenwell.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, 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."
Okabe: All opposed "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Okabe: Motion is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
6. Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:26 AM)
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.
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Okabe: Can I have a motion to ratify?
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to ratify.
Okabe: Is there a second?
Ventura: Second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Transient Vessel
Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 6(a) through 6(d),
License Nos. TV-25-026 through TV-25-029, as stated in the
agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Ventura.
Okabe: Moved and seconded, any discussion to the motion?
Greenwell: Mr. Director, does it look like the ships are coming back slowly?
Takase: I think it's probably more like they're coming back quickly. We received quite
a few applications in the last several months.
Greenwell: But there's been a drop in tourism throughout the State.
Takase: So, I think they really need the cruise ships to kind of make up the difference.
You're seeing a lot more because they're not going to Lahaina anymore, so you know,
we're their other stop, I guess. But it's been good, I won't comment on how it seems
like they're going to tax them out of the market pretty soon. We are receiving more
tourists from cruise ships.
Greenwell: Okay, thank you.
Okabe: Any other discussion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all those in favor please say "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Okabe: All opposed "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Okabe: Okay, motion is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
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7. Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2026 (10:28 AM)
Okabe: I'd like to have a motion and person to nominate for Chair, let's do the Chair
first.
Taniguchi: So, who's getting off this year?
Takase: David is.
Greenwell: I'm getting off the Vice Chair position.
Taniguchi: But who is staying?
Takase: I think only David is going out this year. Alan hopefully will be reappointed
since he just came on.
Taniguchi: Anybody in their final year?
Takase: Laurisa I think it would be.
Nishimoto: You're next year too?
Okabe: No, I get two more years after this.
Taniguchi: Okay, I'll move to nominate Jennifer Yadao for Chair.
Okabe: Okay.
Greenwell: Is there anybody that has a medical reason or something that they don't
want to be nominated? Is there anybody that has a valid reason they don't want to be
nominated?
Okabe: No. Okay, any other nominations for Chair?
There were no further nominations for Chair by Commissioners.
Okabe: Can I have a second?
Morifuji: I second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to nominate
Jennifer Yadao as Chair for 2026; Seconded
by Commissioner Morifuji.
Okabe: Okay, moved and seconded, discussion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025 - HILO PAGE 24 OF 28
Okabe: Okay, all those in favor for Jennifer Yadao as Chair, 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.
Okabe: Okay, nominations for the Vice Chair and motion.
Taniguchi: So, who going get off, you going get off after next year too?
Nishimoto: Yeah, but I did already.
Taniguchi: Yeah, you were Chair already.
Nishimoto: Chair and Vice Chair. I feel like someone who can take over after would be
a good person to nominate, so as Vice Chair next year you would be groomed for
Chairman the following year, I think that would be a good idea.
Taniguchi: Who only get one more year left after that?
Greenwell: So, with that statement made, I think Art Taniguchi.
Taniguchi: No, I still get three more years left.
Okabe: I going be the following year, my last year.
Nishimoto: Well, is there anyone who would like to volunteer to be a Vice Chair?
Okabe: I can volunteer.
Taniguchi: Okay, I move to nominate Wil Okabe for Vice Chair, because you got two
more years, right?
Okabe: One year as Vice Chair.
Taniguchi: And then you can be Chair again the following year, take a break one year.
Okabe: Any other nominations?
There were no further nominations for Vice Chair by Commissioners.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025 - HILO PAGE 25 OF 28
Okabe: Is there a second?
Okamoto: Okamoto, second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to nominate Wil Okabe
as Vice Chair for 2026; Seconded by Commissioner Okamoto.
Okabe: Any other discussion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all those 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.
VII. Unfinished Business (10:32 AM)
Okabe: If there is no public present, let the record reflect there is no one from the
public present.
1. Referral for Executive Session, Regarding the Selection Process
for the New Director of the Department of Liquor Control
(10: 32 AM)
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.
Okabe: Can I entertain a motion to enter into executive session?
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025 - HILO PAGE 26 OF 28
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to enter into executive
session; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Okabe: Discussion to the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Okabe: Hearing none, all those 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.
RECESSED AT 10: 34 AM - COMMISSION ENTERED EXECUTIVE SESSION
LIQUOR COMMISSION WAS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
RECONVENED AT 11:17 AM - COMMISSION EXITED EXECUTIVE SESSION
Okabe: Okay, we would like to reconvene public Commission meeting.
Takamura: Chair, I'm going to do the executive session report. This is Deputy
Corporation Counsel Cameron Takamura, the executive session report pursuant to
HRS (Hawai'i Revised Statutes) 92-4, the executive session was held pursuant to
HRS (Hawai'i Revised Statutes) 92-4 and 92-5(a)(4) for the purpose of the Commission
asking the Commission's attorney who is myself, questions related to their powers,
duties, privileges, and liabilities, as it relates to the selection process for the Director of
Liquor Control. The discussions are not subject to disclosure, as disclosure would tend
to frustrate the purpose of the executive session and no final actions were taken.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025 - HILO PAGE 27 OF 28
IX Announcements (11: 19 AME
December 15, 2025, 9:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor
Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawai'i.
January 8, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor
Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawai'i.
February 5, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Kona Meeting Room, Department of
Liquor Control, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107, Kailua-Kona, HawaiT
Takase: Listen, on the 15th, we don't have this room. Itis going to be in the Lagoon'
meeting
r downstairs.
Okabe: •i
X. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 11 -022 A.M.
Stacle T. Waltjen
Director
The December 4., 2025 meeting minutes were approved as circulated, via email on
December I by the Liquor• of the County 1Hawaiion January . 2026.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY DECEMBER 4,2025 - HILO PAGE 28 OF 28