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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-02 Liquor Commission Minutes KonaCOUNTY OF HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES — APRIL 2, 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 Steve Morifuji, Commissioner Gene Nakashima, Commissioner Laurisa Nishimoto, Commissioner Arthur Taniguchi, Commissioner Melvin Ventura, Commissioner Absent and Excused: Alan Okamoto, Commissioner 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 and devices, this meeting is being recorded, the microphones in the room does 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: Vice Chair Okabe. Okabe: Here. Sayles: Commissioner Morifuji. Morifuji: Here. Sayles: Commissioner Nakashima. Nakashima: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Nishimoto. Nishimoto: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Taniguchi. Taniguchi: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Ventura. Ventura: Present. Sayles: Chair Yadao. Yadao: Present. Sayles: Absent and excused today is Commissioner Okamoto. 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. Gonzalez: Madam Chair, just a quick note for the record, under absent and excused it says Alan Okamoto, Commissioner, however he hasn't been confirmed yet so he technically can't be absent and excused because he's not confirmed as a Commissioner. Yeah, so there may have been some confusion because he had a carryover period, right? But his second hearing for confirmation didn't occur yet, so thanks. Yadao: Thank you. II. Approval of Minutes — February 5, 2026, Regular Session (10:01 AM) March 5, 2026, Regular Session Yadao: The February 5, 2026, regular session minutes were circulated via email on March 16, 2026. Is there a motion to approve regular meeting minutes as circulated? Okabe: So moved. Taniguchi: Second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 2 OF 24 Commissioner Okabe moved to approve the February 5, 2026, Liquor Commission meeting minutes as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. Yadao: Any discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Any public testimony at this time? There was no public testimony. 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 March 5, 2026, regular session minutes were circulated via email on March 25, 2026. Is there a motion to approve regular meeting minutes as circulated? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, motion to approve. Yadao: Any second? Okabe: Second. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve the March 5, 2026, Liquor Commission meeting minutes as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Okabe. Yadao: Any discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Any public testimony at this time? There was no public testimony. Yadao: Hearing none, all those in favor say "Aye." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 3 OF 24 The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed, "Nay." 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 (10:03 AM) Yadao: Any interested persons wishing to provide testimony on any agenda item may do so now or at the time the specific agenda items 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. (10:03 AM) APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TM K: 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 B 1 Representing applicant: Patricia Gavin, Director of Food and Beverage Yadao: Hi, good morning, can you state your name and relationship to the business? Gavin: Good morning, I'm Patricia Gavin, and I am the Director of Food and Beverage. Yadao: If you could please describe your business. Gavin: The Hidden Nene is a small speakeasy offering cocktails from noon till midnight, small plates, and cold kitchen items. Yadao: Have you received the application report? Gavin: Yes. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 4 OF 24 Yadao: Are there any changes to the report? Gavin: No. Yadao: Director, is there any reports of protests? Waltjen: Chair, the applicant mailed 16 out of 16 notices within 100 feet, 92 out of 96 notices within 500 feet. There were 92 properties within 500 feet entitled to protest, we received no protests to this application. Yadao: Any public testimony at this time? There was no public testimony. Yadao: Hearing none, Commission do you have any discussion or questions? Morifuji: I do, I have a question. According to the report you're not planning to use amplification, do you still feel that way, you're not going to use amplification? Gavin: We are not, it is a very small venue and it would not be acoustically well with the amplifiers. Morifuji: Thank you. Yadao: If no further questions, is there a motion to close the public hearing? Taniguchi: Move to close public hearing. Yadao: Is there a second? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to close the public hearing; 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. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 5 OF 24 Yadao: Motion has carried. The motion was carried unanimously. Yadao: Can I get a motion to approve or deny Application No. 25-14, pending final inspection? Ventura: Ventura, move to approve Application No. 25-14, pending final inspection. Okabe: Second. Commissioner Ventura 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, pending final inspection; 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. Yadao: Motion has carried. The motion was carried unanimously. VI. Preliminary Hearings (10:05 AM) 1. (10:05 AM) APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 25-20 Hawaii High Country Lounge, LLC Hawaii High Country Lounge 19-3948 Old Volcano Road, Volcano, Hawaii 1-9-004:055 Change in Category to B2, from its Restaurant General liquor license, Category A. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 6 OF 24 Representing applicant: Christopher Gagnon, Area General Manager, Rebecca Kyota, Operations Manager, and Patrick Almarza, Food & Beverage Manager. Yadao: Good morning, if you could please state your name and relationship to the business? Gagnon: Christopher Gagnon, Area General Manager. Kyota: Rebecca Kyota, Operations Manager. Almarza: Patrick Almarza, Food & Beverage Manager. Yadao: And if you could please describe your business. Kyota: It is a lodge and restaurant that provides food, drinks, and entertainment. Yadao: Have you received the application report? Kyota: Yes. Yadao: Any changes to the report? Kyota: No. Yadao: Is there any public testimony at this time? There was no public testimony. Yadao: Hearing none, Commission do you have any questions or discussion? Morifuji: I do, do you have a lot of room service at the lodge? Gagnon: We don't provide room service, we have 12 rooms. Morifuji: I believe you're approved for room service but you don't provide it? Okay, thank you. Gagnon: With the rainy forest it makes it very difficult. Gonzalez: Hi, Administrative Officer Gonzalez, can you give us examples of the kinds of food you plan to serve, or the kind of food you're serving? Almarza: It's more of a rustic -style, we try to keep in theme with what Chef Albert and Lorna, the previous owners, so we try to keep it to that theme, a rustic -style menu. Pork MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 7 OF 24 chops, poultry, fish, yes, more rooted vegetables, yes. I'm trying to get him to do Asian but he doesn't want to do it. Gonzalez: Thank you. Taniguchi: So, are they still involved? Almarza: They come by, Lorna and Albert? Gagnon: They come by yeah, without a doubt, they are right next door. Almarza: I haven't met them yet, but they come by. Taniguchi: Very nice people, you still keeping the fireplace? Gagnon: Oh, absolutely. Almarza: Yes, sir. Taniguchi: Because he used to have all this exotic kind of stuff. Gagnon: They stopped serving the ostrich and the elk, and the antelope, and the rabbit. Yadao: If no further discussion or questions, can I get a motion to approve or deny Application No. 25-20? If approved, public hearing to be held June 4, 2026, in Kona. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, move to approve Application No. 25-20. If approved, public hearing to be held June 4, 2026, in Kona. Yadao: Is there a second? Taniguchi: Second. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application No. 25-20, Hawaii High Country Lounge, LLC, dba Hawaii High Country Lounge, for a Change in Category to B2, from its Restaurant General liquor license, Category A, located at 19-3948 Old Volcano Road, Volcano, Hawaii, TMK: 1-9-004:055, with public hearing to be held on June 4, 2026, in Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Hearing none, let's take a vote, all those in favor say "Aye." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 8 OF 24 The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Opposed, "Nay." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Yadao: Motion has passed. The motion was carried unanimously. VII. Unfinished Business -None (10:09 AM) Yadao: There is no Unfinished Business at this time. VIII. New Business (10:09AM) Yadao: Any public testimony for New Business Item Nos. 1 through 7, seeing that there is none present, let the record reflect there is no one from the public present. 1. Request to Extend the Time for Issuance of License Submitted for Approval a. A to Z Owners LLC, dba Da Coco Shack, RE: Application No. 24-13, requesting to extend the time for issuance of the liquor license for good (10:09 AM) cause shown for an additional 12 months, from April 3, 2026, to and including April 3, 2027) by letter received March 16, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 76-6246 Ali`i Drive, #102, Kailua-Kona, 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. Yadao: Is there a motion to approve with good cause? Taniguchi: I'll move. Yadao: Is there a second? Ventura: I'll second so we can discuss. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 9 OF 24 Commissioner Taniguchi 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 April 3, 2026, to and including April 3, 2027, by letter received March 16, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category 131, located at 76-6246 AIN Drive, #102, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Ventura. Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? Taniguchi: The letter doesn't state the time but then on our cheat sheet it says 12 months, so that was my question. Waltjen: It was verbally communicated. Taniguchi: So, it's 12 months? Waltjen: Yes. Taniguchi: Okay, so let's see here. Morifuji: So, I have another question or point of discussion, I know ex -Commissioner Greenwell used to bring this up and we kind of discussed it but according to the rule they can ask for an extension for up to three years, correct? Because 12 months for after the approval, 12 months extension, and an additional 12 months extension, is there a downside for the Department as far as costs associated to keep these things dragging on? Waltjen: I don't think there's a downside of cost for our Department. If anything I feel for the license applicants, it's a financial strain for them, especially if they're already in there paying rent trying to get their business open, and trying to comply with all the rules you know in terms of obtaining their liquor license. Morifuji: Is there any way the Department can assist in that process? Waltjen: We try to kind of facilitate maybe some discussions between ourselves and Department of Public Works which is typically the Department where we see the hold up with, so we have actively done that for certain licensees depending on you know, the situation and how long they've been waiting. So, we do try to help facilitate some conversations on that. Morifuji: Oh good, okay, thank you. Waltjen: You're welcome. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 10 OF 24 Taniguchi: I have to say the cause, I think it's stated in the letter, but basically you know all of the requirements that are made prior to the issuance of the final approval, so think that's pretty well stated in his letter. 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. The motion was carried unanimously. b. West Hawaii Island Proprietors LLC, dba Da Whip, RE: Application No. 24-21, requesting to extend the time for issuance of the liquor license (10:13 AM) for good cause shown for an additional 6 months, from April 3, 2026, to and including September 3, 2026, by letter received March 16, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category A, located at 73-5619 Kauhola Street, Suite 204, Kailua-Kona, 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. Yadao: Is there a motion to approve with good cause? Morifuji: Move to approve, it explains it in the letter, they're waiting to satisfy different agencies of the County of Hawaii. Yadao: Is there a second? Taniguchi: Second. Commissioner Morifuji moved to approve the request to extend the time for issuance of the liquor license for good cause shown for an additional 6 months, from April 3, 2026, to and including September 3, 2026, by letter received March 16, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category A, located at 73-5619 Kauhola Street, Suite 204, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 11 OF 24 Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? Nishimoto: I'm kind of confused because it says that the building was originally classified as a B2 retail building, with which our original understanding had the same building code requirements for a Category B, so what are they applying under? Waltjen: They're applying for I believe a Restaurant General Category maybe 131, but that's our description. What he's speaking of is Public Works jargon, codes and how they list or detail out their specifics. Taniguchi: The other requirements I figured it was the same but it's different. 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: Hearing none. The motion was carried unanimously. C. Bikini Bottoms LLC, dba Bikini Bottoms Coffee, RE: Application No. 24-17, requesting to extend the time for issuance of the liquor license (10:16 AM) for good cause shown for an additional 12 months, from April 3, 2026, to and including April 3, 2027, by letter received March 18, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category 131, located at 75-5719 Ali`i Drive, Ste. A101, Kailua-Kona, 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. Yadao: Can I get a motion to approve with good cause? Okabe: I move, they're still waiting for Public Works in regard to the permit application. Yadao: Thank you. Taniguchi: Second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 12 OF 24 Commissioner Okabe 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 April 3, 2026, to and including April 3, 2027, by letter received March 18, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category 131, located at 75-5719 Ali`i Drive, Ste. A101, Kailua-Kona, 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. The motion was carried unanimously. d. Treehouse Next Door, Inc., dba Petals & Provisions, RE: Application No. 23-18, requesting to extend the time for issuance of the liquor license (10:16 AM) for good cause shown for an additional 12 months, from April 4, 2026) to and including April 4, 2027) by letter received March 25, 2026, of its Retail General liquor license, located at 76-5905 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, 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. Yadao: Is there a motion to approve with good cause? Okabe: So moved, they're still saying that they're waiting for the architect and the Building Department to resubmit the plans. Taniguchi: Second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 13 OF 24 Commissioner Okabe 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 April 4, 2026, to and including April 4, 2027, by letter received March 25, 2026, of its Retail General liquor license, located at 76-5905 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. Yadao: Any discussion? 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. 2. Change in Directors Submitted for Approval (10:17AM) a. Kukio Golf and Beach Club, Inc., dba Kukio Golf and Beach Club, Inc., dba Kukio Golf and Beach Club, Inc., (Retail), approval of Change in Directors as follows: (10: 17 AM) • Removal of Allison Schovee, Jamie Weinstein, and Nate Taylor, Directors; • Appointment of William Rieflin, Kristin Link, and Stephen Watson, as Directors; • Personal History and Affidavits for William Rieflin, Kristin Link, and Stephen Watson, Directors; effective January 1, 2026) by form received February 25, 2026; of its Retail General and Club liquor licenses, Category B2, located at 72-250 Kukio Nui Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Yadao: Is there a motion to approve? Okabe: So moved. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 14 OF 24 Nishimoto: Second. Commissioner Okabe moved to approve the Change in Directors as follows: Removal of Allison Schovee, Jamie Weinstein, and Nate Taylor, Directors; Appointment of William Rieflin, Kristin Link, and Stephen Watson, as Directors; Personal History and Affidavits for William Rieflin, Kristin Link, and Stephen Watson, Directors; effective January 1, 2026, by form received February 25, 2026; of its Retail General and Club liquor licenses, Category B2, located at 72-250 Kuki`o Nui Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Yadao: Any discussion? 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. b. The Odom Corporation, dba The Odom Corporation (Kailua-Kona), dba The Odom Corporation (Keaau), approval of Change in Directors, (10: 18 AM) with the removal of Randy Halter, Director; effective February 26, 2026, by form received March 4, 2026; of its Wholesale General liquor license, located at the W.H. Shipman Industrial Park, 16-211 Wiliama Place, Kea`au, Hawaii; and the Kaloko Light Industrial Park, 75-5563 Kauhola Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Yadao: Is there a motion to approve? Taniguchi: Move to approve. Yadao: Any second? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 15 OF 24 Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve the Change in Directors, with the removal of Randy Halter, Director; effective February 26, 2026, by form received March 4, 2026; of its Wholesale General liquor license, located at the W.H. Shipman Industrial Park, 16-211 Wiliama Place, Kea`au, Hawaii, and at the Kaloko Light Industrial Park, 75-5563 Kauhola 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 is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. 3. Permits Issued for Ratification (10:18AM) a. Berj Corporation, dba My Bar, ratification of Application for Game Permits, for events on March 22 & March 29, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on March 9, 2026, of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2, located at the Luhia Center I, 74-5606 Luhia Street, Spaces Al A27 A3 and A413, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. b. Hawaii High Country Lounge, LLC, dba Hawaii High Country Lounge, ratification of Application for Live Entertainment and Dancing, a one time trial period not to exceed 90 days, effective March 15 - June 15, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on March 11, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category A, located at 19-3948 Old Volcano Road, Volcano, Hawaii. C. Samantha Hall, Solicitor, Lanikai Brewing Company, ratification of Application for Solicitor's Permit, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on March 16, 2026, of its Small Craft Producer Pub liquor license, located at 167 & 175C Hamakua Drive, Suite 100, Kailua, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 16 OF 24 d. Volcano Vineyards, LLC, dba Volcano Winery, ratification of Application for Entertainment Permit, for an event on March 28, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on March 23, 2026; of its Winery liquor license, Category A, located at the Volcano Golf Course Subdivision, 35 Pi`i Mauna Drive, Volcano, Hawaii. Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify? Okabe: Motion to ratify. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Okabe moved to ratify Permits Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 3(a) through 3(d), as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Yadao: Any discussion? 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. 4. Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification (10:19 AM) a. Smash Daddy's LLC, dba Smash Daddy's, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on March 17, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on March 5, 2026; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at the Waikoloa Plaza, 68-1820 Waikoloa Road, #E105, Waikoloa, Hawaii. b. JTJ Enterprises, Inc., dba Quinn's, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on March 17, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on March 4, 2026; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 75-5655 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 17 OF 24 C. Hilo Burger Joint LLP, dba Hilo Burger Joint, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on March 17, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on March 16, 2026; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 776 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii. d. Kuleana Spirits, Inc., dba Kuleana Rum Shack, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on March 27, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on March 16, 2026; 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. e. Honokaa Public House LLC, dba Honokaa Public House, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on March 27, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on March 18, 2026; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 45-3490 Mamane Street, Units G & F, Honoka`a, Hawaii. Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify? Okabe: So moved to ratify. Taniguchi: Second. Commissioner Greenwell moved to ratify Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 4(a) through 4(e), 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." There was no opposition by Commissioners. Yadao: Motion is carried. The motion was carried unanimously. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 18 OF 24 5. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification (10: 19 AM) a. License No. SP-25-111, International Sea Turtle Society, dba International Sea Turtle Society, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on March 2, 2026, held at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, 78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. b. License No. SP-25-112, Hawaii Hotel Industry Foundation, dba Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on March 7, 2026, held at the Mauna Kea Golf Course, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kamuela, Hawaii. C. License No. SP-25-113, Hilo High School Foundation, dba Hilo High School Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on April 24, 2026, held at the Sangha Hall, 424 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii. d. License No. SP-25-114, Hawaii Island United Way, dba Hawaii Island United Way, for a Special General liquor license, for events on March 14 & 15, 2026, held at 68-1050 Makaiwa Place, Waimea, Hawaii. e. License No. SP-25-115, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba Kahilu Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on March 6, 87 13, 14, 20, 22, 26-29, 2026, held at the Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii. f. License No. SP-25-116, VASH Hawaii Island, dba VASH Hawaii Island, for a Special Beer liquor license, for an event on March 17, 2026, held at the Kings' Shops, 250 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa Village, Hawaii. g. License No. SP-25-117, 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 March 6, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. h. License No. SP-25-118, 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 March 12, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. i. License No. SP-25-119, The Friends of the Palace Theater, dba The Friends of the Palace Theater, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on March 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, & 29, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 19 OF 24 j. License No. SP-25-120, 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 April 2, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. k. License No. SP-25-121, 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 April 3, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. I. License No. SP-25-122, 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 April 4, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. M. License No. SP-25-123, Aloha Performing Arts Company, dba Aloha Theatre, for a Special General liquor license, for events on March 13-14, 20-217 27-29, 2026, held at the Aloha Theatre, 79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, Hawaii. n. License No. SP-25-124, Puna Hongwanji Mission, dba Puna Hongwanji Mission, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on March 28, 2026, held at 16-492 Old Volcano Road, Kea`au, Hawaii. o. License No. SP-25-125, Volcano Art Center, dba Volcano Art Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on March 21, 2026, held at 19-4074 Old Volcano Highway, Volcano, Hawaii. P. License No. SP-25-126, Hilo Community Players, dba Hilo Community Players, for a Special General liquor license, for events on March 20, 22-24, 30; April 6, 13-14, 19-20, 2026; held at 280 Keawe Street, Hilo, Hawaii. q. License No. SP-25-127, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba Kahilu Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events on April 3, 11, 17, 19, 26, & 30, 2026; held at the Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii. Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify? Taniguchi: Move to ratify. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 20 OF 24 Commissioner Taniguchi moved to ratify Special Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 5(a) through 5(q), License Nos. SP-25-111 through SP-25-127, as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Yadao: Any discussion? 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. 6. Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:20 AM) ALREADY RATIFIED a. License No. TV-25-035, Oceania Cruises, Ltd., dba Ms Vista, for a ON MARCH 5, 2026 Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on March 14, 2026. b. License No. TV-25-036, Intercruises as agents for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, dba Voyager of the Seas, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on May 1, 2026. C. License No. TV-25-037, Intercruises as agents for Celebrity Cruises, dba Celebrity Edge, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on May 9, 2026. d. License No. TV-25-038, Intercruises as agents for Celebrity Cruises, dba Celebrity Edge, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on May 8, 2026. e. License No. TV-25-039, Intercruises as agents for Celebrity Cruises, dba Celebrity Solstice, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on April 27, 2026. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 21 OF 24 f. License No. TV-25-040, Intercruises as agents for Celebrity Cruises, dba Celebrity Solstice, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on April 25-26, 2026. g. License No. TV-25-041, Intercruises as agents for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, dba Anthem of the Seas, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on May 2-3, 2026. Yadao: Let the record reflect that Item No. 6(a), License No. TV-25-035, was ratified at the last meeting. So, Item Nos. 6(b) through 6(g), License Nos. TV-25-036 through TV- 25-041, as stated in the agenda, is there a motion to ratify? Okabe: Move to ratify. Ventura: Second. Commissioner Okabe moved to ratify Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 6(b) through 6(g), License Nos. TV-25-036 through TV-25-041, as stated in the agenda; 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. 7. Temporary Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:21 AM) a. License No. T-REST-G-1068, Kanikapila Cafe, LLC, dba Hale Kanikapila, Temporary Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 168 Keawe Street, Hilo, Hawaii, effective March 19, 2026. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 22 OF 24 b. License No. T-RG-1069, Kanikapila Cafe, LLC, dba Keawe Trading Post, Temporary Retail General liquor license, located at 168 Keawe Street, Hilo, Hawaii, effective March 19, 2026. C. License No. T-REST-G-148, Kona Inn Restaurant LLC, dba Kona Inn Restaurant, Temporary Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at the Kona Inn Shopping Village, 75-5744 Ali`i Drive, Suite 135, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, effective March 25, 2026. d. License No. T-REST-G-503, Kona Ocean Club LLC, dba Kona Canoe Club, Temporary Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at the Kona Inn Shopping Village, 75-5744 Ali`i Drive, Suite 21, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, effective March 25, 2026. Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify? Okabe: Motion to ratify. Yadao: Any second? Ventura: Second. Commissioner Okabe moved to ratify Temporary Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 7(a) through 7(d), as stated in the agenda; 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. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 23 OF 24 IX. Announcements (10:22 AM) Meetings of the Liquor Commission May 7, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii. June 4, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Kona Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107, Kailua- Kona, Hawaii. X. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 10:22 A.M. Stacie T. Waltjen Director The April 2, 2026 meeting minutes were approved as circulated, via email on April 30, 2026, by the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawaii on May 7, 2026. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - KONA PAGE 24 OF 24 ]X. Announcements (10:22 NTI May 7, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawai'i. June 4, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Kona Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107, Kailua- Kona, Hawaii. X. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 10:22 A.M. Stacie T. Waltjen Director The April Z 2026 meeting minutes were approved as circulated, via email on April2026.q by the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawai'i on May 7, 2026. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL Z 2026 - KONA PAGE 24 OF 24