HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-05 Liquor Commission Minutes HiloCOUNTY OF HAWAI`I
DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL
LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES — MARCH 5, 2026
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 Yadao 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: Jennifer Yadao, 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: Wil Okabe, Vice Chair
Others Present: Stacie Waltjen, Director
Brandon Gonzalez, Administrative Officer
Cameron Takamura, Deputy Corporation Counsel
ZoeAnn Bertelmann, Licensing Technician
Hau`oli Sayles, Commission Secretary
Yadao: Please silence your 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 roll call, please say present when your name is called.
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 Vice Chair, Wil Okabe. Others present are
Director Stacie Waltjen, Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez, Deputy Corporation
Counsel Cameron Takamura, Licensing Technician Zoe Bertelmann, and Commission
Secretary Hau`oli Sayles.
II. Approval of Minutes —January 8, 2026 (10:01AM)
Yadao: The January 8, 2026, regular session minutes were circulated via email on
February 19, 2026.
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the
January 8, 2026, Liquor Commission meeting minutes
as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Yadao: Any discussion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
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Yadao: Hearing none, is there any public testimony at this time?
There was no public testimony.
Yadao: Hearing none, all those in favor vote "Aye."
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Yadao: Any opposed?
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
The motion was carried unanimously.
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: Interested persons wishing to provide 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 (10:02 AM)
1. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10:02 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
25-11
Toprich Inc.
Miyazaki Sushi & IZAKAYA
75-5742 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
7-5-007:002
Original Restaurant General liquor license,
Category 131, with Ratification of Temporary
Restaurant General liquor license, Category 131
Representing applicant: Haoyan "Chloe" Wang, Owner
Yadao: If you can state your name and relationship to the business.
Wang: Hi, my name is Chloe, I'm the owner from Miyazaki Sushi & IZAKAYA, location
75-5742 Kuakini Highway, No. 103, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.
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Yadao: If you could please describe your business.
Wang: Our business is traditional Japanese sushi business, izakaya-style. We selling
traditional appetizers and fresh sushi, nigiri, sashimi, and also some seasoned seafood.
Yadao: Have you receive the application report?
Wang: Yes.
Yadao: Any changes to the report?
Wang: No.
Yadao: Director, is there any reports of protests?
Waltjen: Chair, the applicant mailed 5 out of 5 notices within 100 feet, 115 out of 118
notices within 500 feet, and one notice to a condominium or cooperative apartment
manager. There were 109 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?
Gonzalez: Brandon Gonzalez, Administrative Officer, Chole, can you say your last
name for the record?
Wang: W-A-N-G.
Gonzalez: Thank you very much.
Wang: Thank you.
Yadao: Is there a motion to close the public hearing?
Taniguchi: Move to close public hearing.
Greenwell: Greenwell, second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to close the public
hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Greenwell.
Yadao: Any discussion of the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
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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. 25-11, pending final
inspection?
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, move to approve Application No. 25-11, pending final
inspection.
Okamoto: Okamoto, second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application No.
25-11, Toprich Inc., dba Miyazaki Sushi & IZAKAYA, for an
Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1,
located at 75-5742 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona,
Hawaii, TMK: 7-5-007:002, pending final inspection; Seconded
by Commissioner Okamoto.
Yadao: Any discussion to 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 ratify issuance of Temporary License No.
T-REST-G-1063, effective January 14, 2026?
Greenwell: Greenwell, motion to ratify.
Ventura: Second.
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Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify issuance
of Temporary License No. T-REST-G-1063, effective
January 14, 2026; Seconded by Commissioner Ventura.
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.
2. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10:05 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TMK:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
25-12
Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC
Ocean Tower Bistro and Bar
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, Hawaii
6-9-007:039
Original Restaurant General liquor license,
Category B2
Representing applicant: Robert Ueoka, Esq., Authorized Agent, and
Fred Lau, General Manager
Ueoka: Good morning, Chair, members of the Commission, Director Waltjen, Robert Ueoka
on behalf of Hilton Grand Vacations, dba (doing business as) Ocean Tower Bistro and Bar.
Present to my right, Mr. Freddy Lau, he's the General Manager of Hilton Grand Vacations.
We have no changes to the investigators report, we did want to put on the record that we did
get a storage space approved, 150 square feet, we will be withdrawing that. We have
sufficient space to store alcohol within the existing bistro and bar area, we have double locks
on it to secure it, it'll be secured. The place is kind of open to the public, the layout but we'll
make sure the alcohol is stored and secured. I think Fred even mentioned there's double locks
whether that's necessary or not, but they will be secured, not accessible to the public at all.
So we plan to submit that probably after today's hearing to withdraw the previously approved,
guess it was a reduction of premises from the hotel liquor license to allow us to have the
storage space, again we will not be using the storage space for this establishment. We're
located in the Hilton Waikoloa Village in the Ocean Tower, it's the most northern part of the
property, kind of three connecting circles on the top. So, we're located on the bottom kind of
where the tram stops, we're on that ground floor kind of over the water, over the pond. So,
we're looking forward to getting this open and we've been wanting to use this space for a
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while, so we decided to proceed with the liquor license, and we're proceeding with inspections
trying to get it open as soon as possible.
Yadao: Director, is there any reports of protests?
Waltjen: Chair, the applicant mailed 181 out of 181 notices within 100 feet, 373 out of
375 notices within 500 feet, and 2 notices to a condominium or cooperative apartment
manager. There were 374 properties within 500 feet entitled to protest, we received no
protests to this application.
Yadao: Thank you. 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 a question, you guys will resubmit your sketch of the premises to
include that storage area?
Ueoka: We'll request that it be withdrawn.
Morifuji: Withdrawn from the original requested storage space, but now it's going to be
included in the license premises?
Ueoka: It's not going to be included.
Morifuji: Oh, it's not?
Ueoka: We're backing off on it, yeah we don't need it.
Morifuji: You don't need liquor storage?
Ueoka: We have enough storage on premise, Freddy did some cleaning out and he
said there is a lot of space now.
Morifuji: Okay.
Ueoka: Yes, we're going to have it on premise in the bar area, and it's going to be
secured, locked up.
Morifuji: Okay.
Ueoka: I'll submit a revised floor plan to exclude the storage area, just the restaurant.
Yadao: Is there a motion to close the public hearing?
Taniguchi: Move to close public hearing.
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Greenwell: Greenwell, second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to close the public
hearing; 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.
Yadao: Can I get a motion to approve or deny Application No. 25-12, pending final
inspection?
Ventura: Move to approve Application No. 25-12, pending final inspection.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Ventura moved to approve Application No.
25-12, Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC, dba Ocean
Tower Bistro and Bar, for an Original Restaurant General
liquor license, Category B2, located at 69-425 Waikoloa Beach
Drive, Waikoloa, Hawaii, TMK: 6-9-007:039, pending final
inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Yadao: Any discussion of the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Yadao: 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: Hearing none, motion passed.
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The motion was carried unanimously.
VI. Preliminary Hearings (10:10 AM)
NEXT TWO ITEMS WERE TAKEN AT ONCE
1. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10:10 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TMK:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
AND
2. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TMK:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
25-15
Kanikapila Cafe, LLC
Hale Kanikapila
168 Keawe Street, Hilo, H awa i i
2-3-006:007
Original Restaurant General liquor license,
Category B2
25-16
Kanikapila Cafe, LLC
Keawe Trading Post
168 Keawe Street, Hilo, H awa i i
2-3-006:007
Original Retail General liquor license
Representing applicant: Algernon Allen, Owner
Yadao: If you could please state your name and relationship to the business?
Allen: My name is Algernon Allen, I am the managing owner.
Yadao: Can you please describe your business?
Allen: It's a restaurant bar with live entertainment.
Yadao: Have you received the application reports?
Allen: I have.
Yadao: Any changes to the reports?
Kerns: No, no changes.
Yadao: Is there any public testimony at this time?
There was no public testimony.
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Yadao: Hearing none. Commission, is there any questions or discussion?
Morifuji: I have one, Mr. Allen, how do you plan to clearly define where the restaurant
license premises is from the retail?
Allen: The retail will be in a separate closable room.
Morifuji: So, it's going to be locked when that retail business is closed?
Allen: Yes, absolutely.
Morifuji: Okay.
Yadao: No further questions, can I get a motion to approve or deny Application Nos.
25-15 and 25-16? If approved, public hearing to be held May 7, 2026, in Hilo.
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve.
Yadao: Is there a second?
Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve Application Nos. 25-15
and 25-16, Kanikapila Cafe, LLC, dba Hale Kanikapila, dba Keawe
Trading Post, for an Original Restaurant General, Category B2, and
Retail General liquor licenses, located at 168 Keawe Street, Hilo,
Hawaii, TMK: 2-3-006:007, with public hearings to be held on May 7,
2026, in Hilo, 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 has carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
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3. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10: 11 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
25-17
Hawaiian Shrimp LLC
Hawaiian Shrimp Restaurant
16-119 Orchidland Drive, Suite 131, Kea`au,
Hawaii
1-6-009:386
Original Restaurant General liquor license,
Category B2
Representing applicant: Waylon Nihipali, Owner.
Yadao: Morning, if you could state your name and relationship to the business.
Nihipali: Good morning, my name is Waylon Nihipali, and I am the owner of Hawaiian
Shrimp.
Yadao: Can you please describe your business?
Nihipali: We are a restaurant / bar, mainly a restaurant just serving alcohol.
Yadao: Have you received the application report?
Nihipali: Yes.
Yadao: Any changes to the report?
Nihipali: No.
Yadao: Is there any public testimony at this time?
There was no public testimony.
Yadao: Hearing none, Commission any discussion or questions?
Greenwell: What kind of menu you guys going to have?
Nihipali: We mainly specialize in shrimp and steak type cuisines, but we're going to
bring some island influence cuisines now, Hawaiian -style.
Greenwell: Fresh fish?
Nihipali: That too.
Taniguchi: I have a question, so it's in Orchidland?
Nihipali: Yes.
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Taniguchi: But your business address is Maka`ala, or is that your residence?
Nihipali: No, that's my other restaurant, that's just the mailing that I use.
Taniguchi: So, what's the other restaurant?
Nihipali: It's Hawaiian Shrimp Company.
Taniguchi: Oh yeah? Wow, I didn't know had one restaurant on Maka`ala.
Waltjen: It's within the plaza next to Walmart.
Taniguchi: Oh it's in the food court side?
Nihipali: Yeah, it's in the little food court next to L&L.
Taniguchi: Oh okay, alright, thank you.
Yadao: If no further questions, can I get a motion to approve or deny Application No.
25-17? If approved, public hearing to be held May 7, 2026, in Hilo.
Taniguchi: Move to approve.
Yadao: Is there a second?
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve Application No. 25-17,
Hawaiian Shrimp LLC, dba Hawaiian Shrimp Restaurant, for an
Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at
16-119 Orchidland Drive, Suite B1, Keaau, Hawaii, TMK: 1-6-009:386,
with public hearing to be held on May 7, 2026, in Hilo, Hawaii;
Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
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.
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Yadao: Thank you, motion has passed.
The motion was carried unanimously.
VII. Unfinished Business— None (10:14AM)
Yadao: There is no Unfinished Business at this time.
VIII. New Business (10:14AM)
Yadao: Is there any public testimony for New Business Item Nos. 1 through 6?
There were no statements from members of the public.
Yadao: Seeing none, let the record reflect there is no one from the public present.
1. Change in Officers/Directors Submitted for Approval
(10: 14 AM) a. Alibi Tavern Incorporated, dba Alibi Tavern Inc., requesting approval
of Change in Officers and Application for Transfer of Stock as follows:
• Removal of Jobe Leialoha, President;
• Transfer of 34% stock shares held by Jobe Leialoha,
to Castly Dingle (17%) and Ikaika Galinato (17%);
effective February 1, 2026, by forms received February 6, 2026; of its
Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2, located at the Kea`au
Plaza, 16-566 Pahoa Highway, #5, Kea`au, Hawaii.
Yadao: Is there a motion to approve?
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve.
Ventura: Second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Change in Officers
and Application for Transfer of Stock as follows: Removal of Jobe
Leialoha, President; Transfer of 34% stock shares held by Jobe
Leialoha, to Castly Dingle (17%) and Ikaika Galinato (17%); effective
February 1, 2026, by forms received February 6, 2026; of its Dispenser
General liquor license, Category B2, located at the Kea`au Plaza, 16-566
Pahoa Highway, #5, Kea`au, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Ventura.
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Yadao: Any discussion of the motion?
Taniguchi: Yeah, we got this sheet, it's kind of confusing. So, on the right up it says
transfer the 34%, right?
Waltjen: So Jobe Leialoha has 17 shares, he sold it to Castly and Ikaika, 8.5 went to
Castly and 8.5 went to Ikaika. So now Castly and Ikaika each own 25 shares, they own
50 shares in the outstanding shares, and then the other shares are held by the
company, the Alibi Tavern, so we just tried to draw a diagram.
Taniguchi: So, the 17 is split, that's the 8.5 and 8.5. So, the 16.5 plus the 8.5, then?
Waltjen: Yes.
Taniguchi: Oh, okay so that's 50, and the other 50 is owned by Eggstaff?
Waltjen: No, Alibi Tavern does, the business entity that holds the license.
Taniguchi: Just the treasury stock, yeah?
Waltjen: Yes.
Taniguchi: Okay, so that's 50, so what's this Eggstaff's one, then?
Waltjen: So, they were the initial owners, and then they sold it, their shares to Jobe,
Castly, and Ikaika. And then, all three of them held it, but now Jobe is selling his.
Taniguchi: Okay, so he's giving his shares to these other two?
Waltjen: Correct.
Taniguchi: Okay, that's the 100.
Waltjen: Yes.
Taniguchi: Okay, thank you.
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.
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The motion was carried unanimously.
b. MNS, Ltd., dba ABC Store #62, dba ABC Store #63, dba ABC Store
#71, dba ABC Store #75, dba Island Gourmet Markets, dba Aloha
(10:16 AM) Wine Bar, requesting approval of Change in Officers/Directors, with
the removal of Scott Shimogawa, Executive Vice President and Director,
effective January 20, 2026, by form received February 10, 2026; of its
Retail General and Dispenser General liquor licenses, for all Hawaii
Island locations.
Yadao: Is there a motion to approve?
Taniguchi: Move to approve.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve the Change in
Officers/Directors, with the removal of Scott Shimogawa,
Executive Vice President and Director, effective Janaury 20,
2026, by form received February 10, 2026; of its Retail General
and Dispenser General liquor license, for all Hawaii Island
locations; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
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.
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C. Food Pantry, Ltd., dba Whalers General Store #230, dba Holo Holo
Market, requesting approval of Change in Officers, with the removal of
(10: 17 AM) Stacy Waiau-Omori, Vice President, effective January 24, 2026; by form
received February 23, 2026; of its Retail General liquor licenses, located
at the Kings' Shops, 69-250 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Suite A-5, Waikoloa,
Hawaii; and 78-128 `Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Yadao: Is there a motion to approve?
Greenwell: Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve.
Yadao: Is there a second?
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Change
in Officers, with the removal of Stacy Waiau-Omori, Vice
President, effective January 24, 2026; by form received
February 23, 2026; of its Retail General liquor licenses, located
at the Kings' Shops, 69-250 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Suite A-5,
Waikoloa, Hawaii; and 78-128 `Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona,
Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
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 carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
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d. Foodland Super Market, Limited, dba Foodland (Keaau), dba
Foodland Farms, dba Foodland Super Market — Waimea, dba
(10: 18 AM) Sack `N Save (Kinoole), dba Sack `N Save (Kona), dba Sack `N
Save (Puainako), requesting approval of Change in Officers as follows:
• Removal of Stacy Waiau-Omori, Vice President, effective
January 24, 2026;
• Appointment of Nathan Okinaka, as Vice President, effective
January 26, 2026;
• Personal History and Affidavit for Nathan Okinaka, Vice President;
by forms received February 23, 2026; of its Retail General liquor licenses,
for all Hawaii Island store locations.
Yadao: Is there a motion to approve?
Taniguchi: Move to approve.
Ventura: Second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve the Change
in Officers as follows: Removal of Stacy Waiau-Omori,
Vice President, effective January 24, 2026; Appointment of
Nathan Okinaka, as Vice President, effective January 26, 2026;
Personal History and Affidavit for Nathan Okinaka, Vice
President; by forms received February 23, 2026; of its Retail
General liquor licenses, for all Hawaii Island store locations;
Seconded by Commissioner Ventura.
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.
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e. The Kalama Beach Corporation, dba Anytime Bar, dba Malama
Market (Honokaa), dba Malama Market — Ocean View, dba Malama
(10: 18 AM) Market Pahoa, requesting approval of Change in Officers, with the
removal of Stacy Waiau-Omori, Vice President, effective January 24,
2026; by form received February 23, 2026; of its Retail General and
Restaurant General, Category B2, liquor licenses, for all Hawaii Island
locations.
Yadao: Is there a motion to approve?
Greenwell: Greenwell, I'll make the motion to approve.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to approve the Change
in Officers as follows: Removal of Stacy Waiau-Omori, Vice
President, effective January 24, 2026; by forms received
February 23, 2026; of its Retail General and Restaurant
General, Category B2, liquor licenses, for all Hawaii
Island locations; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
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 has carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
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2. Permits Issued for Ratification (10:19 AM)
a. Kanikapila Cafe, LLC, dba Hale Kanikapila, ratification of Application
for Outside Storage Permit, located at 168 Keawe Street, Hilo, Hawaii,
approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on February 23, 2026, of its
Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 168
Keawe Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
b. Michelle Waxman, Solicitor, RNDC of Hawaii, ratification of
Application for Solicitor's Permit, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen
on February 6, 2026, of its Wholesale General liquor license, located
at 94-501 Kau Street, Waipahu, Hawaii.
C. Volcano Vineyards, LLC, dba Volcano Winery, ratification of Application
for Entertainment Permits, for events on February 8 & 28, 2026, approved
by Director Stacie Waltjen on January 28, 2026; of its Winery liquor
license, Category A, located at the Volcano Golf Course Subdivision,
35 Pi`i Mauna Drive, Volcano, Hawaii.
d. Hualalai Investors, LLC, dba Four Seasons Resort Hualalai,
ratification of Application for Game Permit, for an event on January 30,
2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on January 28, 2026, of its
Hotel liquor license, located at 72-100 Ka`upulehu Drive, 87 Mile Marker
on Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
e. Christopher Camero Memorial VFW Post 12122, dba VFW Post 12122,
ratification of Application for Game Permits, for an event on March 19,
2026; and events on March 1 - 31, 2026, approved by Director Stacie
Waltjen on February 23, 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: Motion to ratify?
Greenwell: Greenwell, I'll make the motion to ratify.
Yadao: Is there a second?
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Permits Issued
for Ratification, Item Nos. 2(a) through 2(e), as stated in
the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Yadao: Any discussion to the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026 - HILO PAGE 19 OF 24
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.
3. Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification (10:20 AM)
a. Hilo Burger Joint LLP, dba Hilo Burger Joint, ratification of
Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an
event on January 27, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen
on January 26, 2026; of its Restaurant General liquor license,
Category B1, located at 776 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii.
b. Puna Chocolate Company, dba Hale Cocoa, ratification of
Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for
events on February 19 & 26, 2026, approved by Director Stacie
Waltjen on February 17, 2026; of its Restaurant General liquor
license, Category B1, located at 79-7378 Hawaii Belt Road,
Kealakekua, Hawaii.
Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify?
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, motion to ratify.
Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to ratify Temporary
Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification,
Item Nos. 3(a) and 3(b), as stated in the agenda;
Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi.
Yadao: Any discussion to the motion?
Morifuji: I do, just a request to the Department, for these temporary increases it's 12
events per license year, I noticed on the bottom it only lists 6 but can we ask that
somebody let us know how many events they had or have passed for licensees?
Waltjen: Yes, okay.
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Morifuji: Thank you.
Yadao: If no further discussion, 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.
4. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:20 AM)
a. License No. SP-25-101, The Rotary Club of Kona Community
Foundation, dba The Rotary Club of Kona Community Foundation,
for a Special Beer liquor license, for an event on March 14, 2026, held
at BMW of Hawai`I, 5533 Loloku Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
b. License No. SP-25-102, The Rotary Club of Kona Community
Foundation, dba The Rotary Club of Kona Community Foundation,
for a Special Beer liquor license, for an event on March 14, 2026, held
at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel,
75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
C. License No. SP-25-103, Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, dba Waikoloa
Dry Forest Initiative, for a Special General liquor license, for an event
on March 27, 2026, held at the Kings' Shops, 250 Waikoloa Beach Drive,
Waikoloa Village, Hawaii.
d. License No. SP-25-104, Hilo Community Players, dba Hilo Community
Players, for a Special General liquor license, for events on January 30;
February 1, 5-8, 10, 12-16, 19, 22, 26, 2026; held at 280 Keawe Street,
Hilo, Hawaii.
e. License No. SP-25-105, 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 February 6, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater,
38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
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f. License No. SP-25-106, 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 February 9, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater,
38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
g. License No. SP-25-107, Waimea Country School, dba Waimea
Country School, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an
event on February 21, 2026, held at65-1237 Kawaihae Road, Kamuela,
Hawaii.
h. License No. SP-25-108, Volcano Art Center, dba Volcano Art Center,
for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on February 21,
2026, held at 19-4074 Old Volcano Highway, Volcano, Hawaii.
i. License No. SP-25-109, Hawaii Rangeland Stewardship Foundation,
dba Hawaii Rangeland Stewardship Foundation, for a Special General
liquor license, for an event on May 4, 2026, held at The Club at Hokuli`a,
81-6636 Pu`u Oahu Place, Kealakekua, Hawaii.
j. License No. SP-25-110, Hilo Woman's Club, dba Hilo Woman's
Club, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on
March 21, 2026, held at Lele Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify?
Ventura: Ventura, move to ratify.
Yadao: Is there a second?
Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Ventura moved to ratify Special Licenses
Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 4(a) through 40), License
Nos. SP-25-101 through SP-25-110, as stated in the agenda;
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."
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There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Yadao: Motion has carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
5. Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:21 AM)
a. License No. TV-25-034, MSC Cruises SA, dba MSC Magnifica,
for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo,
Hawaii, on February 11, 2026.
b. License No. TV-25-035, Oceania Cruises, Ltd., dba MS Vista,
for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on March 14, 2026.
Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify?
Greenwell: This is Greenwell, I'll make the motion to ratify.
Yadao: Is there a second?
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Transient Vessel
Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 5(a) and 5(b),
License Nos. TV-25-034 and TV-25-035, as stated in the
agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
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.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026 - HILO PAGE 23 OF 24
6. Memorandum dated February 23, 2026, from Brandon Gonzalez,
Liquor Administrative Officer, reporting about the meetings,
(10:22 AM) sessions, business, and benefits of attending the National Alcoh
Beverage Control Association (NABCA) and National Liquor Law
Enforcement Association (NLLEA) Alcohol Compliance Training
(ACT) Program, February 9 - 12, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia.
Yadao: Is there any discussion or questions for Brandoni
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
IX Announcements (10:22 AM)
q
L3M=E=# r-0111'' 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.
May 7, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor
Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii.
Meeting adjourned at 10:23 A.M.
Stacie T. Waltjen
Director
The March 5., 2026, meeting minutes were approved as circulated,
via email on
March 25,,2026,, by the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawaii on April 2,, 2026.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, MARCH 5,2026 - HILO PAGE 24 OF 24