HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-04 Liquor Commission Agenda KonaLIQUOR CONTROL 05/28/2026 10:37 AM
C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D.
Mayor
William V. Brilhante, Jr.
Managing Director
Merrick Nishimoto
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawaii
LIQUOR COMMISSION
Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4261
(808) 961-8218 • Fax (808) 961-8684
E-Mail: cohdlc@hawaiicounty.gov
Stacie T. Waltjen
Director
Jennifer Yadao, Chair
Wil Okabe, Vice Chair
Steve Morifuji, Commissioner
Gene Nakashima, Commissioner
Laurisa Nishimoto, Commissioner
Alan Okamoto, Commissioner
Arthur Taniguchi, Commissioner
Melvin Ventura, Commissioner
Vacant, Commissioner
DATE: Thursday, June 4, 2026
TIME: 10:00 A.M.
PLACE: Kona Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control,
Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Public Testimony may be done in person, or in writing by email, fax, or
mail/walk-in. To ensure timely delivery to the Commission, written testimony
should be received by 12:00 noon on the business day prior to the meeting by:
(1) Email: cohdlc(a_hawaiicounty.gov; (2) Fax: (808) 961-8684; or (3) Mail/walk-in:
101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, H196720. Indicate agenda item submitting for;
submit separate testimony for each item. All testimony regardless of time of
receipt will be part of the permanent record.
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
II. Approval of Minutes — May 7, 2026, Regular Session
III. Approval of Addendum and/or Supplemental Agenda
IV. Public Statements on Agenda Items
Interested persons wishing to provide testimony on any agenda item may do so
now or at the time the specific agenda item is called.
V. Public Hearings
1. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
T25-18
Kona Inn Restaurant, LLC
Kona Inn Restaurant
Kona Inn Shopping Village, 75-5744 Ali`i Drive,
#135, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
7-5-007:021
Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General
liquor license, Category B2, currently held by
Wind & Sea Restaurant, Inc., dba Kona Inn
Restaurant
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
LIQUOR CONTROL 05/28/2026 10:37 AM
2. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
3. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TM K:
LICENSE APPLIED FOR:
VI. Preliminary Hearings - None
VII. Unfinished Business
T25-19
Kona Ocean Club, LLC
Voyagers
Kona Inn Shopping Village, 75-5744 Ali`i Drive,
#21, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
7-5-007:021
Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General
liquor license, Category B1, currently held by
Wind & Sea Restaurant, Inc., dba Kona Canoe
Club
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 current
Restaurant General liquor license, Category A.
1. Acceptance of Report of Gross Revenues of Food and Beverage
Sales for Class 2 Restaurant Licensees showing food sales are at
least 30% of total gross revenues for the period July 1, 2025 through
March 31, 2026, pursuant to Rule 3-1-C and 4-7-A-5 of the Rules and
Regulations of the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawaii:
Kona Ocean Club, LLC, dba KONA CANOE CLUB (VOYAGERS);
Kona Inn Restaurant, LLC, dba Kona Inn Restaurant.
Vill. New Business
1. Request to Extend the Time for Issuance of License Submitted for Approval
a. South Kona Stills LLC, dba South Kona Stills LLC,
RE: Application No. 22-27, requesting to extend the time for issuance
of the liquor license for good cause shown for an additional 12 months,
from June 1, 2026, to and including June 1, 2027, by letter received
May 19, 2026, of its Small Craft Producer Pub liquor license, Category A,
located at 82-6061 Captain Cook Village Road, Captain Cook, Hawaii.
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2. Change in Members/Officers/Directors Submitted for Approval
a. Hilo Yacht Club, dba Hilo Yacht Club, requesting approval of
Change in Officers / Directors as follows:
• Removal of John Pratt and Lisa Rantz, Trustees, and Joseph Marsh,
Commodore; effective February 4, 2026;
• Appointment of Cheryl Matsumura, Steven Pavao, and Richard Meyer,
as Trustees; effective March 26, 2026;
• Change in Title of Bonnie Geiger, from Vice Commodore to Commodore;
Mihaela Ryer, from Secretary to Vice Commodore; and Grant Omura,
from Trustee to Secretary; effective February 4, 2026;
• Personal History and Affidavits for Cheryl Matsumura, Steven Pavao,
and Richard Meyer, Trustees;
by form received May 6, 2026; of its Club liquor license, Category B2,
located at 77 Laehala Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
b. Mauna Kea Resort LLC, dba Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, dba Mauna
Kea Market, dba The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, dba Plumeria
Market, requesting approval of Change in Officers to Prince Resorts
Hawaii, Inc., sole member of Mauna Kea Resort LLC, as follows:
• Change in Title of Shigeki Yamane, from President, Vice President,
Secretary, and Director, to President, Secretary, and Director;
• Appointment of Yusuke Ishii, as Vice President and Director;
• Personal History and Affidavit for Yusuke Ishii, Vice President and
Director;
effective April 1, 2026, by form received May 8, 2026; of its Hotel and
Retail General liquor licenses, located at 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach
Drive, and 62-100 Kauna`oa Drive, Kamuela, Hawaii.
C. Patel's Texaco, Inc., dba Patel's, requesting approval of Change
in Officers and Application for Transfer of Stock as follows:
• Change in Title of Mitesh Patel from Vice President and Secretary,
to President and Secretary;
• Change in Title of Smita Patel, from President and Treasurer,
to Vice President and Treasurer;
• Transfer of 10% stock shares held by Smita Patel to Mitesh Patel;
effective January 22, 2022, by forms received May 8, 2026; of its Retail
General liquor license, located at 83-5282 Mamalahoa Highway, Captain
Cook, Hawaii.
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d. Hawaii High Country Lounge, LLC, dba Hawaii High Country Lounge
(Retail), requesting approval of Change in Members and Application for
Transfer of Membership Interest as follows:
• Removal of Ben Ketel, Member;
• Appointment of Jacqueline Raffaele, as Member;
• Transfer of 50% membership interest held by Ben Ketel
to Jacqueline Raffaele, Member;
• Personal History and Affidavit for Jacqueline Raffaele, Member;
effective December 31, 2025) by forms received May 21, 2026;
of its Retail General liquor license, located at 19-3948 Old Volcano
Road, Volcano, Hawaii.
3. Permits Issued for Ratification
a. Berj Corporation, dba My Bar, ratification of Application for Game
Permits, for events on May 10, 24, & 31, 2026, approved by Director
Stacie Waltjen on May 4, 2026; and for an event on May 17, 2026,
approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on May 5, 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. Kona, Hawaii, Lodge No. 2616, Benevolent & Protective Order of
Elks of the United States of America, dba Kona Elks Club, ratification
of Application for Game Permit, for an event on May 17, 2026; approved
by Director Stacie Waltjen on May 12, 2026; of its Club liquor license,
Category B2, located at 75-170 Hualalai Road, Suite E-100, Kailua-Kona,
Hawaii.
C. Lau Ola, LLC, dba Big Island Grown Dispensaries, ratification of
Application for Alcohol Purchase Permit, for 220 gallons of Ethanol
200 proof for industrial use, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen
on May 14, 2026, located at 28-595 Kaupakuea Homestead Road,
Pepe`ekeo, Hawaii.
d. Volcano Vineyards, LLC, dba Volcano Winery, ratification of
Application for Entertainment Permit, for an event on May 23, 2026,
approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on May 21, 2026; of its Winery
liquor license, Category A, located at the Volcano Golf Course
Subdivision, 35 Pi`i Mauna Drive, Volcano, Hawaii.
e. Gabriel Liera, ratification of Application for Individual Importation
of Liquor Permit, for shipment of liquors as part of household goods
to military storage in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, approved by Director
Stacie Waltjen on May 21, 2026.
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4. Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification
a. Kuleana Spirits, Inc., dba Kuleana Rum Shack, ratification
of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for
an event on May 2, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen
on April 30, 2026; of its Small Craft Producer Pub liquor license,
Category B 1, located at the Queens' MarketPlace, 69-201
Waikoloa Beach Drive, Spaces H5, H6 and H7, Waikoloa, Hawaii.
b. LBC Volcano LLC, dba Lanikai Brewing Company, ratification
of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for
events on July 25-26, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen
on May 12, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category
B1, located at 19-4005 Haunani Road, Volcano, Hawaii.
C. Tommy Bahama Beverages, LLC, dba Tommy Bahama's
Tropical Cafe, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in
Licensed Premises, to include the Shops at Mauna Lani Courtyard
for an event on May 25, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen
on May 12, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category
B2, located at The Shops at Mauna Lani, 68-1330 Mauna Lani
Drive, Suite 101, Kamuela, Hawaii.
d. Napua Hilo LLC, dba Lehua Restaurant at Imiloa, ratification
of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for
an event on May 21, & June 10, 2026, approved by Director Stacie
Waltjen on May 13, 2026; of its Restaurant General liquor license,
Category B2, located at 600 `Imiloa Place, Hilo, Hawaii.
5. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification
a. License No. SP-25-138, Aloha Performing Arts Company, dba
Aloha Theatre, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events
on April 29, May 1-3, 8, 15-17, & 22, 2026, held at the Aloha Theatre,
79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, Hawaii.
b. License No. SP-25-139, `Ewalu Inc., dba `Ewalu Industries, for
a Special Beer liquor license, for an event on May 2, 2026, held at
74-5606 Pawai Place, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
C. License No. SP-25-140, 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 May 1, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater,
38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
d. License No. SP-25-141, 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 May 8, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater,
38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
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e. License No. SP-25-142, 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 May 10, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater,
38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
f. License No. SP-25-143, 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 May 22, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater,
38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
g. License No. SP-25-144, 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 May 30, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater,
38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
h. License No. SP-25-145, Akaka Falls Lions Club, dba Akaka Falls
Lions Club, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on
May 30, 2026, held at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Drive, Hilo,
Hawaii.
i. License No. SP-25-146, Fraternal Order of Eagles, dba Fraternal
Order of Eagles, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events
from May 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29 - 30, 2026, held at 16-111 Opukaha`ia
Street, Kea`au, Hawaii.
j. License No. SP-25-147, I Can I Will Hawaii, dba I Can I Will Hawaii,
for a Special General liquor license, for an event on June 13, 2026, held
at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
k. License No. SP-25-148, Aloha Performing Arts Company, dba
Aloha Theatre, for a Special General liquor license, for events on
May 29, June 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26, 2026, held at the Aloha Theatre,
79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, Hawaii.
I. License No. SP-25-149, Humanity Hale, dba Humanity Hale,
for a Special General liquor license, for an event on May 23, 2026,
held at the Kona Salt Farm, 73-907 Makako Bay Drive, Kailua-Kona,
Hawaii.
M. License No. SP-26-001, Hawaii Island Humane Society, dba Hawaii
Island Humane Society, for a Special General liquor license, for an event
on July 18, 2026, held at 24 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa Village,
Hawaii.
6. Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification
a. License No. TV-26-001, Intercruises as agents for Silver Cruises
LLC, dba Silver Whisper, for a Transient Vessel liquor license,
in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on September 10, 2026.
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b. License No. TV-26-002, Intercruises as agents for Silver Cruises
LLC, dba Silver Whisper, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in
port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on September 12, 2026.
C. License No. TV-26-003, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., dba Norwegian Spirit,
for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii,
on July 12 & 17, August 14, September 16, & November 2, 2026.
d. License No. TV-26-004, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., dba Norwegian Spirit,
for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona,
Hawaii, on August 15 & 18, September 15 & 20, & November 9, 2026.
e. License No. TV-26-005, Pride of America Ship Holding, LLC,
dba Pride of America, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port
at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii on July 7, 14, 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25;
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24; Dec. 1, 8,
15, 22, 29, 2026; Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23; Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23,
30; Apr. 6, 13, 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2027.
f. License No. TV-26-006, Pride of America Ship Holding, LLC,
dba Pride of America, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port
at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug. 5,
12, 19, 26; Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25;
Dec. 2, 97 16, 23, 30; 2026; Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar. 3,
10, 17, 24, 31; Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30,
2027.
IX. Announcements
Meetings of the Liquor Commission
July 2, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor
Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii.
August 6, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Kona Meeting Room, Department of
Liquor Control, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
X. Adjournment
For information relative to any of the above -mentioned applications and/or procedures for protesting
against a liquor license, call the Department of Liquor Control at (808) 961-8218.
Anyone requiring auxiliary aid / service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact the
Department of Liquor Control at (808) 961-8218, or by email at cohdlc@hawaiicounty.gov,
as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible have a greater likelihood of being fulfilled.
Upon request, this notice is available in alternate accessible formats.
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