HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-02 Liquor Commission Agenda HiloLIQUOR CONTROL 06/25/2026 01:29 PM
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
DATE: Thursday, July 2, 2026
TIME: 10:00 A.M.
PLACE: Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control,
Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii
Stacie T. Waltjen
Director
Jennifer Yadao, Chair
Wil Okabe, Vice Chair
Tristie Licoan, Commissioner
Steve Morifuji, Commissioner
Gene Nakashima, Commissioner
Laurisa Nishimoto, Commissioner
Alan Okamoto, Commissioner
Arthur Taniguchi, Commissioner
Melvin Ventura, Commissioner
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 - June 4, 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:
25-21
Tun Hawaii LLC
Extraction Speakeasy
166 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii
2-3-010:006
Original Dispenser General liquor license,
Category 131
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
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VI. Preliminary Hearings
1. APPLICATION NO.: T25-22
APPLICANT: Island Distributing, L.L.C.
TRADE NAME: Island Distributing
PLACE OF BUSINESS: 73-4854 Kanalani Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TM K: 7-3-051-014
LICENSE APPLIED FOR: Sale and Transfer of the Wholesale General
liquor license currently held by Young's Market
Company, LLC, dba RNDC of Hawaii, and
Ratification of Temporary Wholesale General
liquor license, effective May 30, 2026
VII. Unfinished Business - None
Vill. New Business
1. Request to Extend the Time for Issuance of License Submitted for Approval
a. Reel Aloha Poke and Fish Co. LLC, dba Reel Aloha Poke and
Fish Co., RE: Application No. 24-34, requesting approval to extend
the time for issuance of the liquor license for good cause shown for an
additional 12 months from July 3, 2026, to and including July 3, 2027,
by letter received June 14, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license,
Category B1, located at 81-6641 Hawaii Belt Road, #5, Kealakekua,
Hawaii.
b. Original Thai Cuisine LLC, dba Original Thai Cuisine,
RE: Application No. 23-34, requesting approval to extend the time
for issuance of the liquor license for good cause shown for an additional
12 months, from August 1, 2026, to and including August 1, 2027, by
letter received June 22, 2026, of its Restaurant Beer and Wine liquor
license, Category A, located at the Ilima Court, 75-5629 Kuakini Highway,
Suite 175, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
2. Change in Members / Officers / Directors Submitted for Approval
a. Kohanaiki Club, Inc., dba Kohanaiki Club, Inc., requesting approval
of Change in Officers / Directors as follows:
• Removal of Christopher Koepper, Vice President and Secretary;
and William MCMOrrow, Director;
• Appointment of Gregory Lipinski, as Vice President, Secretary,
and Treasurer; and Justin Enbody, and In Ku Lee, as Directors;
• Personal History and Affidavit for Gregory Lipinski, Vice President,
Secretary, and Treasurer;
effective August 6, 2025, by form received May 26, 2026; of its Club liquor
license, Category B2, located at 73-4676 Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway,
Mile Marker 95, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
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b. Accor Management US Inc., dba The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii,
requesting approval of Change in Officers / Directors as follows:
• Removal of Benjamin Cadwell, President, Director, and
Chief Operating Officer;
• Appointment of Peter Humig, as President and Director;
• Personal History and Affidavit for Peter Humig, President and Director;
effective May 29, 2026, by form received May 29, 2026; of its Hotel
liquor license, located at One North Kaniku Drive, Kohala Coast, Hawaii.
C. Island Naturals Market, Inc., dba Island Naturals Market & Deli,
requesting approval of Change in Officers / Directors and Application
for Transfer of Stock as follows:
• Removal of Donald MCGean, Vice President and Secretary;
• Transfer of 10% stock shares held by Donald MCGean to Russell
Ruderman, President, Treasurer, and Director;
effective January 2, 2026) by form received May 29, 2026; of its
Retail Beer and Wine liquor license, located at the Hilo Shopping Center,
1221 Kilauea Avenue, Suite 170, Hilo, Hawaii.
d. Kona, Hawaii, Lodge No. 2616, Benevolent & Protective Order of
Elks of the United States of America, dba Kona Elks Club, requesting
approval of Change in Officers / Directors as follows:
• Removal of Gerald Droze, President; Arpad Rakosi, Vice President;
and Nancy Albright and Dick Scritchfield, Trustees; effective April 6, 2026;
• Appointment of Karen Bohner, and David Rietow, as Trustees; and
Raymond Baker, as Vice President; effective April 6, 2026;
• Appointment of Arthur Chang, as Vice President, effective May 21, 2026;
• Change in Title of James Dykes III, from Vice President to President,
effective April 6, 2026;
• Personal History and Affidavits for Karen Bohner and David Rietow,
Trustees; and Raymond Baker, and Arthur Chang, Vice Presidents;
by forms received April 20, 2026; of its Club liquor license, Category B2,
located at 75-170 Hualalai Road, Suite E-100, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
e. The North West Company (International) Inc., dba Cost-U-Less,
requesting approval of Change in Officers / Directors as follows:
• Appointment of Alexis Cloutier, as Secretary;
• Change in Title of John King, from Chief Financial Officer (CFO),
Secretary, and Director; to Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Director;
effective November 18, 2025; by form received June 17, 2026; of its
Retail General liquor license, located at 715 Kino`ole Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
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f. Walmart Inc., dba Walmart No. 2321 (Kailua-Kona), dba Walmart No.
2473 (Hilo), approval of Change in Officers as Primary Decision -Makers,
as follows:
• Removal of John Scudder, Senior Vice President, and David Reading,
Assistant Secretary; effective June 1, 2023;
• Removal of Carl MCMillon, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO),
effective January 31, 2026;
• Appointment of Sarah Little, and Brandon Vick, as Assistant Secretaries,
and Carey Fenton, as Senior Vice President; effective May 25, 2026
• Personal History and Affidavits for Sarah Little, and Brandon Vick,
Assistant Secretaries, and Carey Fenton, Senior Vice President;
by forms received June 15, 2026; of its Retail General liquor licenses,
located at 75-1015 Henry Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and 325 East
Maka`ala Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
g. JRG Enterprises LLC, dba The HI Dive Bar, requesting approval
of Change in Members and Application for Transfer of Membership
Interest as follows:
• Removal of Jennabee Gandall, Member;
• Appointment of David Monce, as Member;
• Transfer of 100% membership interest held by
Jennabee Gandall, to David Monce, Member;
• Personal History and Affidavit for David Monce, Member;
effective June 10, 2026) by forms received June 19, 2026; of its
Dispenser General liquor license, Category B1, located at the Mango
Court, 79-7460 Hawaii Belt Road, Suite A102, Kealakekua, Hawaii.
3. Permits Issued for Ratification
a. Hilo -Hawaiian Associates, Inc., dba Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, ratification
of Application for Alteration Permit, for converting former WSW and Waioli
Lounge into Bull Shed Restaurant, of approximately 6,575 square feet;
approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on June 19, 2026,
of its Hotel liquor license, located at 71 Banyan Drive, Hilo, Hawaii.
b. Christopher Camero Memorial VFW Post 12122, dba VFW Post 12122,
ratification of Application for Game Permits, for events on June 1, 8, 15,
22, 29, 2026; and an event on June 25, 2026, approved by Director Stacie
Waltjen on June 1, 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.
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C. Berj Corporation, dba My Bar, ratification of Application for Game
Permits, for events on June 14, and June 28, 2026, approved by Director
Stacie Waltjen on June 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.
d. Volcano Vineyards, LLC, dba Volcano Winery, ratification of
Application for Entertainment Permit, for events on June 14, and June 27,
2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on June 18, 2026; of its Winery
liquor license, Category A, located at the Volcano Golf Course Subdivision,
35 Pi`i Mauna Drive, Volcano, Hawaii.
e. Ola Institute LLC, dba Ola Mahina Gardens, ratification of Application
for Alcohol Purchase Permit, for 7 gallons of organic cane alcohol for
culinary and medicinal use, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on
June 23, 2026, located at 79-969 Kealaola Street, Kealakekua, Hawaii.
4. Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification
a. DJL Holualoa LLC, dba Holualoa Farm Kitchen, ratification of
Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event
on June 12, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on June 12, 2026,
of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at 76-5900
Old Government Road, Holualoa, Hawaii.
b. Kona Inn Restaurant LLC, dba Kona Inn Restaurant, ratification of
Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event
on June 18, 2026, approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez
on June 18, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2,
located at the Kona Inn Shopping Village, 75-5744 Ali`i Drive, Suite 135,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
C. JTJ Enterprises, Inc., dba Quinn's, ratification of Application for
Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on July 4,
2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on June 22, 2026; of its
Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 75-5655
Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
d. ANAHKAHNA, Inc., dba The Korner Pocket Bar & Grill,
ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed
Premises, for an event on July 4, 2026, approved by Director Stacie
Waltjen on June 22, 2026, of its Restaurant General liquor license,
Category B2, located at the Central Kona Shopping Center II,
81-970 Haleki`i Street, Building B, Kealakekua, Hawaii.
e. Honokaa Public House LLC, dba Honokaa Public House,
ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed
Premises, for events on July 3, and July 18, 2026, approved
by Director Stacie Waltjen on June 23, 2026; of its Restaurant
General liquor license, Category B2, located at 45-3490 Mamane
Street, Units G & F, Honoka`a, Hawaii.
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f. Berj Corporation, dba My Bar, ratification of Application for
Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on July 11,
2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on June 23, 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.
5. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification
a. License No. SP-25-150, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba Kahilu
Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for
events on May 2-3, 8-9, 16-17, 23, & 31, 2026, held at the Kahilu
Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii.
b. License No. SP-25-151, Hawaii Island Art Alliance, dba Hawaii Island
Art Alliance, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on May 30,
2026, held at the Ola Brew Co., 26-238 Hawaii Belt Road, Hilo, Hawaii.
C. License No. SP-25-152, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba Kahilu
Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for
events on June 7, 14, 27, & 28, 2026, held at the Kahilu Theatre,
67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii.
d. License No. SP-25-153, Volcano Art Center, dba Volcano Art Center,
for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on June 7, 2026,
held at 19-4074 Old Volcano Highway, Volcano, Hawaii.
e. License No. SP-25-154, Puna Cat Sanctuary, dba Puna Cat Sanctuary,
for a Special General liquor license, for an event on June 6, 2026, held
at 14-3761 Pahoa-Kapoho Road, Pahoa, Hawaii.
f. License No. SP-25-155, Donkey Mill Art Center, dba Donkey Mill
Art Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on
June 27, 2026, held at 78-6670 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, Hawaii.
g. License No. SP-25-156, Fraternal Order of Eagles, dba Fraternal
Order of Eagles, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events
on June 5-6, 11-12, 19-20, 26-27, 2026, held at 16-111 `Opukaha`ia
Street, Kea`au, Hawaii.
h. License No. SP-25-157, 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 June 11, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater,
38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
i. License No. SP-25-158, The Friends of the Palace Theater, dba
The Friends of the Palace Theater, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor
license, for events on June 19-217 26-27, & 29, 2026, held at the Hilo
Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
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j. License No. SP-26-002, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, dba Hawaii
Wildlife Fund, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an
event on July 17, 2026, held at the SCP Hilo Hotel, 126 Banyan Way,
Hilo, Hawaii.
k. License No. SP-26-003, Aloha Performing Arts Company, dba
Aloha Theatre, for a Special General liquor license, for events on
July 3, 10, 17-19, 24-26, 31; August 1-2, 2026, held at the Aloha
Theatre, 79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, Hawaii.
I. License No. SP-26-004, I Can I Will Hawaii, dba I Can I Will Hawaii,
for a Special General liquor license, for an event on August 29, 2026,
held at the Afook-Chinen Hilo Civic Auditorium parking lot, 323 Manono
Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
6. Memorandum dated June 2, 2026, from Brandon Gonzalez, Liquor
Administrative Officer, reporting about the meetings, sessions,
business, and benefits of attending the National Alcohol Beverage
Control Association (NABCA) 89t" Annual Conference — Connect,
Respect, Elevate, May 17 - 21, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona
IX. Announcements
Meetings of the Liquor Commission
August 6, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Kona Meeting Room, Department of
Liquor Control, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
September 3, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor
Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii.
X. Adjournment
For information relative to any of the above -mentioned applications and/or procedures for protesting
q" 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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