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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-05 Liquor Commission Minutes KonaCOUNTY OF HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES — FEBRUARY 5, 2026 HANAMA PLACE 75-5706 KUAKINI HIGHWAY SUITE 107 KAI LUA-KONA, HAWAI `I I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Yadao at 10:00 A.M., in the Kona Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The following were present and constituted a quorum: Commissioners: Jennifer Yadao, Chair Wil Okabe, Vice Chair David Greenwell, Commissioner Steve Morifuji, Commissioner Gene Nakashima, Commissioner Laurisa Nishimoto, Commissioner Alan Okamoto, Commissioner Arthur Taniguchi, Commissioner Melvin Ventura, Commissioner Absent and Excused: Brandon Gonzalez, Administrative Officer Others Present: Stacie Waltjen, Director Cameron Takamura, Deputy Corporation Counsel Keyra Wong, Deputy Corporation Counsel ZoeAnn Bertelmann, Licensing Technician Hau`oli Sayles, Commission Secretary Yadao: Please silence phones or devices, this meeting is being recorded, the microphones in the 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 do the roll call, please say present when your name is called. Sayles: Vice Chair Okabe. Okabe: Present. Sayles: Commissioner 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: Chair Yadao. Yadao: Present. Sayles: Absent and excused today is Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez. Others present are Director Stacie Waltjen, Deputy Corporation Counsel Cameron Takamura, Deputy Corporation Counsel Keyra Wong, Licensing Technician Zoe Bertelmann, and Commission Secretary Hau`oli Sayles. II. Approval of Minutes — December 15, 2025 - Special Meeting, Regular Session (10:01 AM) December 15, 2025 - Special Meeting, Executive Session January 8, 2026 — Regular Session Yadao: The December 15, 2025, special meeting regular session minutes were circulated via email on January 29, 2026. Is there a motion to approve the minutes as circulated? Okabe: So moved. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 2 OF 29 Yadao: Is there a second? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Okabe moved to approve the December 15, 2026, Liquor Commission special meeting regular session minutes as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Yadao: Any discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Hearing none, any public testimony at this time? There was no public testimony. Yadao: Hearing none, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Any opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Yadao: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Yadao: The December 15, 2025, executive session minutes were circulated via email on January 29, 2026. Is there a motion to approve executive session minutes as circulated? Okabe: So moved. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Okabe moved to approve the December 15, 2026, Liquor Commission special meeting executive session minutes as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Yadao: Any discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Is there any public testimony? There was no public testimony. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 3 OF 29 Yadao: All those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Yadao: Motion carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Yadao: The January 8, 2026, regular session minutes is still a work in progress and will be sent out as soon as possible. III. Approval of Addendum and/or Supplemental Agenda (10:02 AM) Yadao: There is no addendum and/or supplemental agenda at this time. IV. Public Statements on Agenda Items (10:02 AM) Yadao: Is there any interested persons wishing to provide public testimony on any agenda item may do so now or at the time the specific agenda item is called. Any statements from members of the public at this time? There were no statements from members of the public. V. Public Hearings (10:03 AM) 1. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:03 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: Matthew Castro, and Mandy Castro, Co -owners. Yadao: Hi, if you can state your name and relationship to the business. Castro (Matthew): Matthew Castro, Co-owner. Castro (Mandy): Mandy Castro, Co-owner. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 4 OF 29 Yadao: Please describe your business. Castro (Mandy): So, we have Itsuko's Kitchen that's open right now, and then we are working on Banzai 47. Itsuko's Kitchen is local Asian food, we open till 11:00 p.m. right now from 5:30 a.m. in the morning. We provide convenience, so we have bentos, ready -to -go food, salads, sandwiches, and we have a hot breakfast every morning. We're planning to have Banzai 47, which is going to offer family -style and pupu-sized meals and bar -like setting. We have a venue space in the back which we also rent for parties and special events and that's been busy, and then we also provide catering for the special events. Yadao: Have you received the application report? Castro (Mandy): Yes. Yadao: Are there any changes to the report? Castro (Mandy): No. Yadao: Director, any report of protests? Waltjen: Chair, the applicant mailed 4 out of 4 notices within 100 feet, 25 out of 25 within 500 feet. There were 22 properties within 500 feet entitled to protest, we received no protests to this application. Yadao: Is there any public testimony at this time? There was no public testimony. Yadao: Hearing none. Commission, is there any discussion or questions? Morifuji: I have one to the staff, has the lease been satisfied? Waltjen: She is working on getting the assignment signed off by DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources), so that's forthcoming. Morifuji: So, if she doesn't have it, what happens, do we approve it now or how does that work? Waltjen: It would be approved pending submission of that particular from DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources). Morifuji: Thank you. Taniguchi: I have a question, so is that area considered part of the Kanoelehua area, industrial? Because the original lease was in 1960 something, yeah? MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 5 OF 29 Castro (Mandy): Yes. Taniguchi: So, that was like similar to all the other ones, but that was like a 55 year max. Castro (Mandy): We submitted everything when we got the keys in September, we submitted everything for DLNR's (Department of Land and Natural Resource's) transfer of lease, but they're taking time, yeah. So, I'm in contact with the previous owners, Elaine Nakatani guys, and they've been trying to find out when is it getting closer but they told them it's going to be a lengthy process. Taniguchi: Okay, so your lease would be for how long? Castro (Mandy): It's 10 years, so I think there's seven more years. Taniguchi: Okay, thank you. Yadao: No further questions, is there a motion to close the public hearing? Taniguchi: So moved. Yadao: Is there a second? Okabe: Second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to close the public hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Okabe. Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Hearing none, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. The motion was carried unanimously. Yadao: Is there a motion to approve or deny Application No. 25-09, pending final inspection and pending the assignment of lease, too. Okabe: Motion to approve pending final inspection. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 6 OF 29 Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Okabe moved to approve and pending the assignment of lease for 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, pending final inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: All those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. The motion was carried unanimously. 2. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:07 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 25-10 Morn i ngwood, LLC Morn i ngwood 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 Griswell, Executive Chef. Yadao: Good morning, if you could state your name and relationship to the business? Hoover: Morning, Mike Hoover, Owner. Griswell: Jason Griswell, Executive Chef. Yadao: And, if you could describe your business, please? Griswell: So, Morningwood is basically a local breakfast restaurant up in Waikoloa Village doing local and wood fired -inspired breakfast for the community. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 7 OF 29 Yadao: Have you received the application report? Griswell: Yes. Yadao: Any changes to the report? Griswell: No. Yadao: Director, any report of protests? Waltjen: Chair, the applicant mailed 1 out of 1 notice within 100 feet, 9 out of 9 within 500 feet. There were 8 properties within 500 feet entitled to protest, we received no protests to this application. Yadao: Is there any public testimony at this time? There was no public testimony. Yadao: Hearin none. Commission, do you have any questions? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: No questions, can I get a motion to close the public hearing? Okabe: Motion to close public hearing. Ventura: Second. Commissioner Okabe moved to close the public hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Ventura. Yadao: Discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Hearing none, all in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 8 OF 29 Yadao: Can I get a motion to approve or deny Application No. 25-10, pending final inspection? Okabe: Motion to approve pending final inspection. Yadao: Is there a second? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Okabe 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, pending final inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: All those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. The motion was carried unanimously. Yadao: Thank you. VI. Preliminary Hearings (10:09 AM) 1. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:09 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 25-14 The Hidden Nene, LLC The Hidden Nene 58 Furneaux Lane, Hilo, Hawaii 2-3-008:021 Original Dispenser General liquor license, Category 131 Representing applicant: Patricia Gavin, General Manager Yadao: Please state your name and your relationship to the business. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 9 OF 29 Gavin: My name is Patricia Gavin, I'm the Director of Food and Beverage and General Manager of Puna Chocolate Company. Yadao: And, if you could please describe your business? Gavin: Business, we have cafes that are coffee shops, chocolate retail and bars, and The Hidden Nene is looking to separate from our liquor license right now which is why I'm speaking on their behalf. Yadao: Have you received the application report? Gavin: Yes. Yadao: Is there any changes to the report? Gavin: No. Yadao: Is there any public testimony at this time? There was no public testimony. Yadao: Hearing none. Commissioners, is there any questions? Morifuji: I have one, maybe I misheard but you're speaking on behalf of The Hidden Nene, but you're the licensee for Puna Chocolate? Gavin: Yes, Char the owner of Hidden Nene wasn't able to make it today and because The Hidden Nene has been on the same liquor license as Puna Chocolate, I've been overseeing that since the beginning. Morifuji: Are they run as a separate business? Gavin: It is runned as a separate business. Morifuji: From the initial license to Puna Chocolate, it is runned as a separate business? Gavin: They're separately located. Morifuji: I understand that. Gavin: As it's below, is one entity is looking to separate, yeah. Morifuji: But it's originally it was all under Puna? Gavin: A part of Puna Chocolate, yeah. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 10 OF 29 Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, I have a question, what is the capacity of The Hidden Nene? Gavin: The Hidden Nene is 35. Morifuji: One more question, if The Hidden Nene is going to separate from Puna Chocolate and that's your primary access to liquor, what's going to happen to liquor for Puna Chocolate? Gavin: We'll keep our liquor license active. Morifuji: And if I look further back in our agenda, you're going to ask for an alteration or something, where's the bar going to be located? Gavin: There's a bar on the main level of Puna Chocolate. Morifuji: Already? Gavin: Already, yes that's been there for several years, we'll be keeping that, we're just looking for a space reduction as we'll be losing the square footage of The Hidden Nene. Morifuji: I see, okay thank you. Yadao: If no further questions, can I have a motion to approve or deny Application No. 25-14? If approved, public hearing to be held on April 2, 2026, in Kona. Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, move to approve Application No. 25-14. If approved, public hearing to be held on April 2, 2026, in Kona. Yadao: Is there a second? Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application No. 25-14, The Hidden Nene, LLC, dba The Hidden Nene, for an Original Dispenser General liquor license, Category B1, located at 58 Furneaux Lane, Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-3-008:021, with public hearing to be held on April 2, 2026, in Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Hearing none, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 11 OF 29 Yadao: Any opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Yadao: Motion carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify issuance of Temporary License No. T-DG-1066, effective January 28, 2026? Taniguchi: So moved. Yadao: Is there a second? Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to ratify issuance of Temporary License No. T-DG-1066, effective January 28, 2026; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Hearing none, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. The motion was carried unanimously. VII. Unfinished Business (10: 14 AM) Yadao: There is no Unfinished Business at this time. VIII. New Business (10:14AM) Yadao: Is there any testimony for New Business Item Nos. 1 through 8? There was no Public Testimony by the public. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 12 OF 29 Yadao: Hearing none, let the record reflect there is no one from the public present. 1. Puna Chocolate Company, dba Puna Chocolate Company, ratification of Application for Reduction in Licensed Premises, of approximately 944 square (10: 15 AM) feet, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on January 16, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 277 Keawe Street, Hilo, Hawaii. Representing licensee: Patricia Gavin, General Manager Yadao: For the record if you can state your name and relationship to the business. Gavin: Patricia Gavin, Director of Food and Beverage and General Manager of Puna Chocolate Company. Yadao: And then if you could describe your business?. Gavin: Business is chocolate retail coffee shop and cocktail bar. Yadao: Okay, so if you could explain the application for reduction in licensed premises. Gavin: The application for reduction in licensed premises would be in conjunction with moving The Hidden Nene onto their own liquor license. So, the 944 square feet we'd be looking at losing would be The Hidden and their portion of the storage as well. Yadao: Commission, any discussion or questions? Greenwell: So, your parking and your bathroom facilities will still remain the same? Gavin: We still have the three parking spaces for guests behind the building as well as a bathroom in The Hidden Nene, one on the mid -level, as well as one in Puna Chocolate Company, correct. Greenwell: And then the bathroom facilities will stay the same? Gavin: Correct. Morifuji: According to your sketch, you're going to take one away yeah for the bar? The sketch you submitted for the alteration permit? Gavin: I'm sorry I'm struggling to find this. Waltjen: Chair, can I provide some information. For the bathroom that's located on this mid -level, it will be used by The Hidden Nene customers as well as the Puna Chocolate customers. They are the owner of the parcel, Puna Chocolate, and in essence they're also The Hidden Nene. The Hidden Nene just incorporated another owner to their business and that's why they had to separate it. So, Puna Chocolate is street level MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 13 OF 29 has a bathroom. The Hidden Nene inside their premises has a bathroom but also in that middle level which is like a corridor leading downstairs into The Hidden Nene, so there's another bathroom there. And that will be available to both customers of Puna Chocolate and The Hidden Nene as well. Morifuji: So, the sketch that says the bar, what is that, it's on the mezzanine floor or it's on the bottom where The Hidden Nene is going to be? Waltjen: The bathroom where it says Bathroom 2? Morifuji: I guess so, yeah. Waltjen: That's in the corridor area, correct? Gavin: Correct. Morifuji: So that's no longer going to be there, it's going to be a bar? Waltjen: No, that's still the bathroom there. Morifuji: Oh, for proposed bar of The Hidden Nene, I'm sorry. Waltjen: This could be an old sketch that maybe they used, so the bar is already in place already, it's already there, yeah. Morifuji: Okay, thank you. Yadao: If no further discussion or questions, can I get a motion to ratify Application for Reduction in Licensed Premises? Morifuji: So moved. Yadao: Is there a second? Taniguchi: Second. Commissioner Morifuji moved to ratify the Application for Reduction in Licensed Premises, of approximately 944 square feet, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on January 16, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 277 Keawe Street, Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 14 OF 29 Yadao: Hearing none, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Yadao: Moving on to the next item. The motion was carried unanimously. 2. Puna Chocolate Company, dba Hale Cocoa, approval of Application for Increase in Licensed Premises to include approximately 1,306 square feet of (10:19 AM) covered lanai and 3,600 square feet of lawn space for a total of approximately 4,906 square feet, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on January 15, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 79-7378 Hawaii Belt Road, Kealakekua, Hawaii. Yadao: Okay, so if you could please explain the application for increase in licensed premises. Gavin: The increase in licensed premises would be in correlation with our addition of a lanai going around the north side of the building and the makai side, as well as the back lawn that is below the lanai that is there currently being finished. Yadao: Commission, any discussion or questions? Morifuji: Yeah, I have one to the staff, what is the category? I noticed none was noted. Waltjen: The category of license they hold? Morifuji: The entertainment, this is the one in Kona, right? This is going to be in Kona? Gavin: This is in Kainaliu, yes. Morifuji: So, what do you guys have as far as the category of entertainment? Gavin: We should be live music. Morifuji: And on this lanai or the outdoor seating area, are you planning to have live music? Gavin: Hopefully. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 15 OF 29 Morifuji: Hopefully, not like a big old band or anything like that? Gavin: No. Morifuji: Because you're proposed increase in your licensed premises is over half of what is existing right now, so it's a large area. Gavin: It is. Morifuji: To the staff, did this premises have any warnings or violations, especially concerning noise in the past? Waltjen: No. Morifuji: No, okay good to know. Thank you. Ventura: So, is this theater part of it or is part of the theater, is that part of the current licensed space? Gavin: Yes, we leased the space for the theater restaurant from the Aloha Theatre. Ventura: Okay, so the actual theater where there's shows and entertainment, that is not part of the licensed premises? Gavin: Yes. Yadao: No further discussion or questions, can I get a motion to approve Application for Increase in Licensed Premises? Morifuji: So moved. Yadao: Is there a second? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Morifuji moved to approve the Application for Increase in Licensed Premises to include approximately 1,306 square feet of covered lanai and 3,600 square feet of lawn space for a total of approximately 4,906 square feet, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on January 15, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 79-7378 Hawaii Belt Road, Kealakekua, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 16 OF 29 Yadao: Hearing none, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Yadao: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. CHANGED THE ORDER OF BUSINESS: THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS TAKEN OUT OF ORDER 5. Permits Issued for Ratification (10:21 AM) a. Puna Chocolate Company, dba Hale Cocoa, ratification of Application for Alteration Permit to include 1,306 square feet, approved by Director (10:21 AM) Stacie Waltjen on January 15, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 79-7378 Hawaii Belt Road, Kealakekua, Hawaii. Yadao: If you could please explain the Application for Alteration Permit. Gavin: This is also concurring with the addition of the lanai on both sides, both makai side and north side, as well as the back lawn area. Yadao: Commissioners, do you have any discussion or questions? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Hearing none, can I get a motion to ratify application for alteration permit? Morifuji: So moved. Yadao: Is there a second? Taniguchi: Second. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 17 OF 29 Commissioner Morifuji moved to ratify the Application for Alteration Permit to include 1,306 square feet, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on January 15, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category 131, located at 79-7378 Hawaii Belt Road, Kealakekua, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Hearing none, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Yadao: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. RETURNED TO THE ORDER OF BUSINESS 3. Kalikala Cuisine Inc., dba Kalikala Cuisine, approval of Application for Change to a Class 2, Restaurant license from its Dispenser General liquor (10:23 AM) license, Category B1, located at the Kona Banyan Court, 75-5695 Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Waltjen: Chair, we don't typically require the licensee to be present when we are submitting a change from our restaurant to dispenser, we give them the option to show up or not. And, I think intentionally he was going to show up but he for whatever reason didn't, but we have enough information provided by him to confirm that he reaches the minimum requirements to change from a dispenser to a restaurant license based upon his food and liquor sales. Yadao: Is there a motion to approve Application for Change to a Class 2 Restaurant license? Taniguchi: Move to approve. Yadao: Second? MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 18 OF 29 Greenwell: Second, Greenwell. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve Application for Change to a Class 2, Restaurant license from its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B1, located at the Kona Banyan Court, 75-5695 Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Hearing none, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. The motion was carried unanimously. Morifuji: I have a question pertaining to that last approval, the new law or I guess 281, doesn't it state the licensee can now come in and apply for a restaurant general and prove to the Department it has met that criteria of 30% immediately? Before it was you had to open as a dispenser, correct? But now they can, why did this person do that? Waltjen: Because I guess initially when he started, right? He had to do a dispenser but he may want to you know, do like provide offsite catering which a restaurant licensee can do. Morifuji: I see, okay thank you. Waltjen: You're welcome. 4. Change in Officers/Directors Submitted for Approval (10:25 AM) a. KBXtreme, LLC, dba KBXtreme, approval of Change in Officers / Directors to WLW Development Methods, Inc., Manager, as follows: • Removal of Elaine Higashi, Secretary, effective December 31, 2025; • Change in Title of Pamela Wong, from Assistant Secretary and Director, to Secretary and Director, effective January 1, 2026; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 75-5591 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 19 OF 29 Yadao: Is there a motion to approve? Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve. Yadao: Is there a second? Okabe: Second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Change in Officers / Directors to WLW Development Methods, Inc., Manager as follows: Removal of Elaine Higashi, Secretary, effective December 31, 2025; Change in Title of Pamela Wong, from Assistant Secretary and Director, to Secretary and Director, effective January 1, 2026; by form received January 12, 2026; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 75-5591 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Okabe. Yadao: Is there any discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Hearing none, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. The motion was carried unanimously. 5. Permits Issued for Ratification (10:26 AM) ITEM NO. 5(A) ALREADYTAKEN OUT OF ORDER a. Puna Chocolate Company, dba Hale Cocoa, ratification of Application for Alteration Permit to include 1,306 square feet, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on January 15, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 79-7378 Hawaii Belt Road, Kealakekua, Hawaii. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 20 OF 29 b. Volcano Vineyards, LLC, dba Volcano Winery, ratification of Application for Entertainment Permits, for events on January 11 & 24, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on January 9, 2026; 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 Permits, for events on January 27 & 31, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on January 15, 2026, of its Hotel liquor license, located at One North Kaniku Drive, Kohala Coast, H awa i `i . d. Christopher Camero Memorial VFW Post 12122, dba VFW Post 12122, ratification of Application for Game Permits, for an event on February 19, 2026; and events on February 1 - 28, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on January 22, 2026; of its Temporary Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 74-5543 Kaiwi Street, Suite 3-A185a and 3-A185b, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Yadao: Can I get a motion to ratify? Taniguchi: Move to ratify. Nishimoto: Second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to ratify Permits Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 5(b) through 5(d), as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Yadao: Is there a discussion of the motion? Greenwell: Stacie, last month, I have the agenda here in front of us, we approved a permit for the Christopher Camero Memorial VFW for the entire month of December and the entire month of January. Now, we're approving another special permit for the entire month of February. When are these people going to get a permanent license? Waltjen: Well, he's been keeping us up-to-date, they're currently working with Public Works to get everything situated, so that's happening but in the meantime, he's coming in for his game permit application. Greenwell: We've discussed this before about them getting permits and permits and permits, and sooner or later they're gonna have to start paying the piper. And like I said, last month we approved for the entire month of December, entire month of January, now we're approving for the entire month of February, it's time for them to do something. Thank you. Morifuji: What's the reason for that? MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 21 OF 29 Waltjen: I know they're going through a lot of changes in personnel in terms of the officers who you know, was taking care of all of the issues with getting the final inspections done, and I think that's been kind of challenging for them. Recently we've been working with this Gerard Kalani, and he's been trying to get everything done. Honestly, I think it had something to do with the hood and getting certain things in place, I can't remember off the top, but I know they are going through EPIC (Electronic Processing & Information Center) and I know whatever he was providing to EPIC (Electronic Processing & Information Center) it might get kicked back, so then they gotta resubmit things. Morifuji: So, it's not the County inspectors or anything like that is holding you back, it's something they're not complying with? Waltjen: No, I think it's a mixture of both, I think for them it's challenging to do like the online EPIC (Electronic Processing & Information Center) route of applying for a final inspection. Everybody is volunteers you know and so, you know it's challenging for them to do it electronically as well, so I think it's both, I think it's a combination of both. But, I do know that they are actively trying to get things in compliance so they can get the final inspections done. Okabe: So, Commissioner Greenwell, your concern is that we should what, we should write a letter to them that there is a concern on the Commission's side? Greenwell: Well, I think the issue is that we've talked about this in the past, that they do have maybe legitimate excuses, but can we give them a permanent license, or can we give them something more permanent so they don't have to keep coming back? And they write a letter, or they fill out an application for a whole month in advance, and like I said, I have last month's agenda here, we approved for December 1st through the 31 St, and then January 1 St through the 31 St, and now we're approving 1 St through the 28t" of February. They're going to be back here for March and April and so on? Waltjen: Even if we and I have to double check, but I think we issued them a temporary liquor license obviously for the entire year so they could work through getting their final inspections done, but a game permit would have to be submitted anyway even if they had the permanent license. If they have any type of event or games that mimic gambling, every time they have that they have to submit an Application for Game Permit even if they have their permanent license, this has to be submitted. Greenwell: Okay, maybe that adds some clarity to it, it just seems that they keep popping up every meeting, every month. I mean, I don't know if that's how we're going to continue doing it, so be it but it's just that they keep popping up for the whole month, it's not for specific dates like some of the others, they apply for the whole month. Maybe somebody else has another suggestion, I don't know. Okabe: Well, I think Director you can just communicate that there was some concern, that's all. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 22 OF 29 Ventura: So, if they had a permanent license, would they still have to keep applying for these game permits? Waltjen: Yes. Ventura: I see. Nakashima: What's a game permit? Waltjen: They have like bingo, or they sometimes they have like poker that resemble gambling, so anytime they have that they have to submit regardless if they have a temporary license or a permanent license. Okay, so we did issue them a temporary where they paid their fee for the license year instead of coming back to get a special license, which I think they were doing before, right? As a non-profit, they were doing that. We were working with them to get their temporary license in place so they didn't have to keep coming back for that, while they actively work to get their inspections done. So, there's that but they still would have to submit these game permits because they do have events there that mimic gambling like bingo. Greenwell: Stacie, could there be another category added to include gaming licenses if you have a permanent license, or is there something else that can be done versus, mean this just takes time to address. Waltjen: Personally, I don't think so I think because it mimics gambling, maybe that's their way of keeping things in control so everyone is aware that you know, so we know. So, every time they have a game permit, we put it on top of their events folder so our investigators know, okay they're going to have an event that has bingo there, or has poker there. So, they will go and do their checks to make sure that the licensee is compliant with whatever they should be compliant with having these type of events. So, I guess this is kind of like our check and balance to make sure nothing is going wrong. Morifuji: And, in my opinion the Department is following the law, they're issuing a temporary license not to hold back the business, but the temporary licensee is having that option to apply for a game permit. So, they want to apply for a game permit, so like Stacie said, all the licensees if they have any games resemble gambling and you do not submit a game permit and it's not approved, that is a violation of the liquor law. So, the Department is following the law and trying to provide and help the businesses succeed or survive. Isn't this building new, maybe like the past 3 — 4 years? Waltjen: No, I think it's been there for a while, my understanding. Taniguchi: But this is like the Elks Club, right? So, they not open to the public for whatever, just members, right? Waltjen: They do have events there that I think they do have members and that's why even more so, they came in for a restaurant license versus a club license. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 23 OF 29 Taniguchi: Because (c) Fairmont is a regular licensee, he came in for a game permit too, right? Waltjen: Yes. Greenwell: Stacie, let me ask another question that Commissioner Morifuji brought up, how did the Liquor Department get involved in game permits? Waltjen: I mean as far as I've been with the Department, it's just been part of what we have to regulate with our licensees because in fact you know, gambling is not legal in Hawaii, right? So, it's kind of like for them to have events within a licensed premises that mimic gambling but is not gambling, but it's kind of like you know, their ability to have those type of events, but it's our Department's responsibility to make sure that they're not breaking any laws. Morifuji: I think when I was there with the Department way back, it was to help with the tourist industry, you know the tourists that come here, all the people that come, the hotels wanted to provide entertainment for their guests. So to control that, because like Stacie said gambling is illegal and because it's being done in a licensed premises, the Department had to come up with some kind of permit process like Stacie was saying, so the investigators have something to schedule and to check if they're in compliance to the law. I believe that's why it was brought up, like most of these permits are to help the businesses survive, that's what I think. Greenwell: How did Liquor get involved? I mean, was it pushed down Liquor's throat where you're going to be in charge of gaming? Waltjen: Maybe I will ask the former Director Takase, maybe he would know since he was in the seat for a while. Yadao: If no further discussion, let's take a vote, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Yadao: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 24 OF 29 6. Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification (10:37 AM) a. Berj Corporation, dba My Bar, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on January 24, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on January 8, 2026; of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2, located at the Luhia Center I, 74-5606 Luhia Street, Spaces Al, A2, A3 and A413, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. b. DJL Holualoa LLC, dba Holualoa Farm Kitchen, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on January 9, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on January 8, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 76-5900 Old Government Road, Holualoa, Hawaii. Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify? Okabe: Motion to ratify. Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Okabe moved to ratify Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 6(a) and 6(b), as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? Morifuji: Yes, I do. The temporary increase for licensed premises for My Bar, the rules state no later than midnight, and it also states it on the application, but the licensee requested to 2:00 a.m., did they go to 2:00 a.m.? Waltjen: I don't know if they went to 2:00 a.m., but I know it's just something that has been allowed to them with the previous Director trying to help them you know, survive like you said, and be able to keep in operation. And I know the investigators on the Kona side, they're very aware of the times, so they do go make their checks to make sure that they're not doing anything they shouldn't be, and we haven't had any complaints. Morifuji: Yes, that was my concern if you had noise complaints because of being outside like that, you know. If you guys have not gotten noise complaints, maybe it's time to amend the rules next go around? Yadao: No further discussion, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 25 OF 29 Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. The motion was carried unanimously. 7. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:39 AM) a. License No. SP-25-089, 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 January 2, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. b. License No. SP-25-090, 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 January 9, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. C. License No. SP-25-091, 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 January 10, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. d. License No. SP-25-092, 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 January 15, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. e. License No. SP-25-093, 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 January 23, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. f. License No. SP-25-094, Volcano Art Center, dba Volcano Art Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on January 10, 2026, held at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano, Hawaii. g. License No. SP-25-095, Donkey Mill Art Center, dba Donkey Mill Art Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on February 21, 2026, held at78-6670 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, Hawaii. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 26 OF 29 h. License No. SP-25-096, Knights of Columbus Council No. 13227 St. Michael the Archangel, dba Knights of Columbus Council No. 13227 St. Michael the Archangel, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on February 14, 2026, held at 75-5769 Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. i. License No. SP-25-097, Aloha Performing Arts Company, dba Aloha Theatre, for a Special General liquor license, for events on January 30; February 6, 13-15, 20-22, 27-28; March 1, 6-8, 2026, held at the Aloha Theatre, 79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, Hawaii. j. License No. SP-25-098, Hawaii Island Humane Society, dba Hawaii Island Humane Society, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on March 21, 2026, held at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, 72-100 Ka`upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. k. License No. SP-25-099, Daughters of Hawaii, dba Daughters of Hawaii, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on February 7, 2026, held at 75-5718 Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. I. License No. SP-25-100, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba Kahilu Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on February 6, 7, 14, 16, 19, 20, 22, 26-28, 2026, held at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii. Yadao: Can I get a motion to ratify? Taniguchi: Move to ratify. Yadao: Is there a second? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to ratify Special Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 7(a) through 7(I), License Nos. SP-25-089 through SP-25-100, as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? Greenwell: Stacie, again why do The Friends of the Palace Theater have so many applications here, why couldn't they consolidate it? Waltjen: You know, we've told them that they could do that, but maybe for them it's their preference to keep maybe themselves in order on their end? They just submit it that way. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 27 OF 29 Greenwell: Thank you. Yadao: No further discussion, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Yadao: Motion carried. The motion was carried unanimously. 8. Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:40 AM) a. License No. TV-25-031, TUI Cruises GmBH, dba Europa 2, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on February 4 & 5, 2026. b. License No. TV-25-032, MOL Cruisesm, Ltd., dba Mitsui Ocean Cruises/Mitsui Ocean Fuji, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on February 19, 2026. C. License No. TV-25-033, MOL Cruisesm, Ltd., dba Mitsui Ocean Cruises/Mitsui Ocean Fuji, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on February 23, 2026. Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify? Okabe: So moved. Yadao: A second? Greenwell: Greenwell, second. Commissioner Okabe moved to ratify Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 8(a) through 8(c), License Nos. TV-25-031 through TV-25-033, as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell. Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. MINUTES -LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 28 OF 29 Yadao: Hearing none, all in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye. 77 Yadao: Any opposed "Nay.N There was no opposition by Commissioners. IX Announcements (10:40 AMI; March 5, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawai'i. April 2, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Kona Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107, Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i. Meeting adjourned at 10:41 A.M. Stacie T. Waltje n Director The February 5, 2026 meeting minutes were approved as circulated, via email on March 16,,2026., by the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawaii on April 2,.2026. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - KONA PAGE 29 OF 29