HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-06 Liquor Commission Agenda KonaLIQUOR CONTROL 07/30/2026 04:04 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
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
DATE: Thursday, August 6, 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 - July 2, 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:
T25-22
Island Distributing, L.L.C.
Island Distributing
73-4854 Kanalani Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
7-3-051-014
Sale and Transfer of the Wholesale General
liquor license currently held by Young's
Market Company, LLC, dba RNDC of
Hawaii
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
LIQUOR CONTROL 07/30/2026 04:04 PM
VI. Preliminary Hearings
1. APPLICATION NO.: T25-24
APPLICANT: Umekes Bar and Grill, LLC
TRADE NAME: Umeke's Bar and Grill
PLACE OF BUSINESS: 74-5599 Pawai Place, Building A, Kailua-Kona,
Hawaii
TM K: 7-4-010:018
LICENSE APPLIED FOR: Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General
liquor license, Category B2, currently held by
Umekes, LLC, d ba U meke's Fish Market Bar
& Grill; and Ratification of Temporary Restaurant
General liquor license, effective June 28, 2026
2. APPLICATION NO.: T25-25
APPLICANT: Ash & Co Hospitality LLC
TRADE NAME: Layover Lounge
PLACE OF BUSINESS: Waiakea Kai Shopping Plaza, 88 Kanoelehua
Avenue, Suite B108, Hilo, Hawaii
TM K: 2-2-032:093
LICENSE APPLIED FOR: Sale and Transfer of the Dispenser General liquor
license, Category B2 and D, currently held by Pi
Yon Cho, Inc., dba Joann's Restaurant & Lounge;
and Ratification of Temporary Dispenser General
liquor license, effective July 2, 2026
3. APPLICATION NO.: 26-01
APPLICANT: Rebel Kitchen LLC
TRADE NAME: Rebel Kitchen
PLACE OF BUSINESS: 79-7399 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua,
Hawaii
TM K: 7-9-009-019
LICENSE APPLIED FOR: Change in Kind to General, from Restaurant Beer
and Wine liquor license, Category B 1
4. APPLICATION NO.: 26-03
APPLICANT: Kona Cocktail Academy LLC
TRADE NAME: Big Island Bottle Shop (Dispenser)
PLACE OF BUSINESS: 75-5729 Ali`i Drive, #C104, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TM K: 7-5-007-005
LICENSE APPLIED FOR: Original Dispenser General liquor license,
Category A
VII. Unfinished Business - None
AGENDA - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026 - KONA PAGE 2 OF 9
LIQUOR CONTROL 07/30/2026 04:04 PM
Vill. New Business'
1. Request to Extend the Time for Issuance of License Submitted for Approval
a. Hamakua Distillery LLC, dba Hamakua Distillery, RE: Application
No. 24-41, requesting approval to extend the time for issuance of the
liquor license for good cause shown for an additional 12 months, from
September 4, 2026, to and including September 4, 2027, by letter
received June 29, 2026; of its Manufacturer liquor license, located
at 28-3254 Beach Road, Pepe`ekeo, Hawaii.
2. Change in Officers Submitted for Approval
a. Outrigger Kona Resort LLC, dba Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa,
requesting approval of Change in Officers, with the removal of Crystall
Ho, Executive Vice President, effective May 22, 2026; by form received
July 2, 2026; of its Hotel liquor license, located at 78-128 `Ehukai Street,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
b. Food Pantry, Ltd., dba Whalers General Store #230, dba Holo Holo
Market, requesting approval of Change in Officers, with the removal of
Jacqueline Lucas -Lars, Vice President, effective July 3, 2026; by form
received July 15, 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.
C. The Kalama Beach Corporation, dba Malama Market (Honokaa),
dba Malama Market — Ocean View, dba Malama Market Pahoa, dba
Anytime Bar, requesting approval of Change in Officers, with the removal
of Jacqueline Lucas -Lars, Vice President, effective July 3, 2026; by form
received July 15, 2026; of its Retail General and Restaurant General
liquor licenses, Category B2, for all Hawaii Island locations.
d. Foodland Super Market, Limited, dba Foodland (Keaau), dba
Foodland Farms, dba Foodland Super Market — Waimea, dba
Sack `N Save (Kinoole), dba Sack `N Save (Kona), dba Sack `N Save
(Puainako), requesting approval of Change in Officers, with the removal
of Jacqueline Lucas -Lars, Vice President, effective July 3, 2026; by form
received July 15, 2026; of its Retail General liquor licenses, for all Hawaii
Island store locations.
3. Permits Issued for Ratification
a. Kona Brewery, LLC, dba Kona Brewing Hawaii, ratification of
Application for Alteration Permit, for renovations to loading area / brewing
operations to become new main entrance; approved by Director Stacie
Waltjen on June 22, 2026; of its Small Craft Producer Pub liquor license,
Category B2, located at the Kona Industrial Subdivision, 74-5612 Pawai
Place, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
AGENDA - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026 - KONA PAGE 3 OF 9
LIQUOR CONTROL 07/30/2026 04:04 PM
b. Hilo -Hawaiian Associates, Inc., dba Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, ratification
of Application for Game Permit, for an event on July 22, 2026, approved
by Director Stacie Waltjen on June 30, 2026; of its Hotel liquor license,
located at 71 Banyan Drive, Hilo, Hawaii.
C. Elaine Hee, ratification of Application for Individual Importation of Liquor
Permit, for shipment of liquors as part of household goods to 17-903
Volcano Road, Kurtistown, Hawaii, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen
on July 1, 2026.
d. The Elevation Wine Fund, LP, dba The Elevation Wine Fund, LP,
ratification of Application for Outside Storage Permit, located at 74-5499
Loloku Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen
on July 7, 2026, of its Wholesale General liquor license, located at
74-5483 Kaiwi Street, Unit 1506, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
e. Adham Loutfi, ratification of Application for Individual Importation
of Liquor Permit, for shipment of liquors as part of household goods
to 75-370 Aloha Kona Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, approved by
Director Stacie Waltjen on July 8, 2026.
f. Volcano Vineyards, LLC, dba Volcano Winery, ratification of Application
for Entertainment Permit, for events on July 12, 25-26, 2026, approved
by Director Stacie Waltjen on July 10, 2026; of its Winery liquor license,
Category A, located at the Volcano Golf Course Subdivision, 35 Pi`i
Mauna Drive, Volcano, Hawaii.
g. Kona Cocktail Academy LLC, dba Big Island Bottle Shop, ratification
of Application for Reduction in Licensed Premises, of approximately
172.25 square feet, of its Retail General liquor license, located at
75-5729 Ali'i Drive, #C104, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
h. Shrimp Improvement Systems Hawaii, ratification of Application for
Alcohol Purchase Permit, for 4 liters of ethanol 200 proof undenatured,
approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on July 20, 2026; and Personal
History and Affidavit for Patrict Thompson; stored at 73-4365 Ilikai Place,
Kailua-Kona, 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 28, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on
June 26, 2026; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category
B1, located at 76-5900 Old Government Road, Holualoa, Hawaii.
AGENDA - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026 - KONA PAGE 4 OF 9
LIQUOR CONTROL 07/30/2026 04:04 PM
b. Hawaii High Country Lounge, LLC, dba Hawaii High Country
Lounge, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in
Licensed Premises, for an event on July 25-26, 2026, approved by
Director Stacie Waltjen on July 21, 2026; of its Restaurant General
liquor license, Category A, located at 19-3948 Old Volcano Road,
Volcano, Hawaii.
C. Berj Corporation, dba My Bar, ratification of Application for
Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on August
15, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on July 22, 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.
d. Sodexo America, LLC, dba Sodexo America, LLC, ratification
of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an
event on September 11, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen
on July 23, 2026; of its Restaurant Beer and Wine liquor license,
Category B2, located at the Campus Center Cafeteria, University
of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 West Kawili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
5. Temporary Licenses Issued for Ratification
a. 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
July 23, 2026.
b. License No. T-REST-G-503, Kona Ocean Club, LLC, dba
Voyagers, 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 July 23, 2026.
C. License No. T-CRAFT-903-C, Hawaiian Ola Brewing Corporation,
dba Ola Brew Co. (3rd location), Temporary Small Craft Producer
Pub liquor license, Category B2, located at 26-238 Hawaii Belt Road,
Hilo, Hawaii, effective July 30, 2026.
6. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification
a. License No. SP-26-005, Ku`ikahi Mediation Center, dba Ku`ikahi
Mediation Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for
an event on July 23, 2026, held at the Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium,
350 Kalanikoa Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
b. License No. SP-26-006, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba Kahilu
Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for
events on July 3, 57 11, 12, 18 & 19, 2026, held at the Kahilu Theatre,
67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii.
AGENDA - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026 - KONA PAGE 5 OF 9
LIQUOR CONTROL 07/30/2026 04:04 PM
C. License No. SP-26-007, Parker Ranch Roundup Scholarship Club,
dba Parker Ranch Roundup Scholarship Club, for a Special Beer liquor
license, for an event on July 4, 2026, held at the Parker Ranch Red Bar,
67-1349 Ala Ohia Road, Kamuela, Hawaii.
d. License No. SP-26-008, The Friends of the Palace Theater, dba
The Friends of the Palace Theater, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor
license, for events on July 2, 3 & 57 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater,
38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
e. License No. SP-26-009, 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 July 10, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater,
38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
f. License No. SP-26-010, 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 July 17, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater,
38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
g. License No. SP-26-011, 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 July 18, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater,
38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
h. License No. SP-26-012, Rotary Club of Hilo Bay, dba Rotary Club
of Hilo Bay, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event
on October 3, 2026, held at the Sanga Hall, 424 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo,
Hawaii.
i. License No. SP-26-013, Hilo Rotary Club Foundation, dba Hilo
Rotary Club Foundation, for a Special General liquor license, for an
event on July 11, 2026, held at the Hilo Yacht Club, 77 Laehala Street,
Hilo, Hawaii.
j. License No. SP-26-014, Puna Cat Sanctuary, dba Puna Cat Sanctuary,
for a Special General liquor license, for events on October 30 & 31, 2026)
held at 15-2595 Government Beach Road, Pahoa, Hawaii.
k. License No. SP-26-015, Na`alehu Theatre, dba Na`alehu Theatre,
for a Special General liquor license, for an event on September 3, 2026,
held at the Pukalani Stables, 67-139 Pukalani Road, Kamuela, Hawaii.
I. License No. SP-26-016, Fraternal Order of Eagles, dba Fraternal
Order of Eagles, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for events
on July 10-11, 17-18, 23-25, 30-31; August 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29,
2026, held at 16-111 `Opukaha`ia Street, Kea`au, Hawaii.
AGENDA - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026 - KONA PAGE 6 OF 9
LIQUOR CONTROL 07/30/2026 04:04 PM
M. License No. SP-26-017, Welo Foundation, dba Welo Foundation,
for a Special General liquor license, for an event on August 22, 2026,
held at the Shipman Industrial Park, 16-510 Old Volcano Road, Kea`au,
Hawaii.
n. License No. SP-26-018, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba Kahilu
Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for
events on August 14, 16, & 28, 2026, held at the Kahilu Theatre,
67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii.
o. License No. SP-26-019, Pahoa Lava Zone Museum, dba Pahoa
Lava Zone Museum, for a Special General liquor license, for events
on July 24, 25, 27, 30; August 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29; September 2,
47 57 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, 2026, held at 15-2942 Pahoa Village Road,
Pahoa, Hawaii.
P. License No. SP-26-020, Pahoa Lava Zone Museum, dba Pahoa
Lava Zone Museum, for a Special General liquor license, for events
on August 4, 11, 18, 25; September 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026, held at
15-2942 Pahoa Village Road, Pahoa, Hawaii.
q. License No. SP-26-021, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba Kahilu
Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for
an event on July 31, 2026, held at the Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey
Road, Kamuela, Hawaii.
r. License No. SP-26-022, Aloha Performing Arts Company, dba
Aloha Theatre, for a Special General liquor license, for events on
August 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-30, 2026, held at the Aloha Theatre,
79-7384 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, Hawaii.
7. Transient Vessel Licenses Issued for Ratification
a. License No. TV-26-007, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd., dba Crown
Princess, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor,
Hilo, Hawaii, on September 18; and November 27, 2026; and in port
at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on September 19, 2026.
b. License No. TV-26-008, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd., dba Ruby
Princess, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on September 24, 2026; January 16; February 20;
and March 8, 2027; and in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on October
28; November 13; December 5, 31, 2026; February 1; March 5, 21; and
April 9, 2027.
C. License No. TV-26-009, Holland America Line Limited, dba
Ms Koningsdam, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at
Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on October 9, 2026; January 18; February 5;
and April 18, 2027; and in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on
October 13, 2026; January 19; February 6, 19; and April 16, 2027.
AGENDA - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026 - KONA PAGE 7 OF 9
LIQUOR CONTROL 07/30/2026 04:04 PM
d. License No. TV-26-010, Holland America Line Limited, dba
Ms Zaandam, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona
Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on October 25; and November 26, 2026;
and in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on November 25, 2026.
e. License No. TV-26-011, Holland America Line Limited, dba
Ms Noordam, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor,
Hilo, Hawaii, on September 27; and October 17, 2026; and in port at Kona
Harbor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on October 20, 2026; and April 18, 2027.
f. License No. TV-26-012, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd., dba Coral
Princess, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor,
Hilo, Hawaii, on January 27, 2027.
g. License No. TV-26-013, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd., dba Royal
Princess, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Kona Harbor,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on April 15, 2027.
h. License No. TV-26-014, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd., dba Grand
Princess, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo,
Hawaii, on October 11, 2026; and in port at Kona Harbor, Kailua-Kona,
Hawaii, on October 12, 2026.
i. License No. TV-26-015, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd., dba Sapphire
Princess, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor,
Hilo, Hawaii, on November 29, 2026; and in port at Kona Harbor,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on November 30, 2026.
j. License No. TV-26-016, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd., dba Emerald
Princess, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo Harbor, Hilo,
Hawaii, on October 8, 22; November 14; December 4, 2026; January 15,
31; February 17; March 4; and April 10, 2027; and in port at Kona Harbor,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on November 15; December 7, 21, 2026; January
17; February 1, 18; and March 7, 2027.
k. License No. TV-26-017, Carnival License Holdings Limited,
dba Carnival Spirit, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port
at Hilo Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on October 2, 2026; and April 23, 2027.
I. License No. TV-26-018, Carnival License Holdings Limited, dba
Carnival Radiance, for a Transient Vessel liquor license, in port at Hilo
Harbor, Hilo, Hawaii, on October 19; November 16; December 6, 2026;
January 25, February 22, March 22, and April 19, 2027.
8. Memorandum dated July 16, 2026, from Stacie Waltjen, Director,
reporting about the meetings, sessions, business, and benefits of
attending the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators
(NCSLA) Annual Conference, June 14 - 17, 2026, in New Orleans,
Louisiana
AGENDA - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026 - KONA PAGE 8 OF 9
LIQUOR CONTROL 07/30/2026 04:04 PM
IX. Announcements
Meetings of the Liquor Commission
September 3, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor
Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii.
October 1, 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.
AGENDA — LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING — THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026 — KONA PAGE 9 OF 9