HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-02 Liquor Commission Minutes HiloCOUNTY OF HAWAI`I
DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL
LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES — JULY 29 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
Wil Okabe, Vice Chair
Tristie Licoan, Commissioner (Came in at 10:05 A.M.)
Steve Morifuji, Commissioner
Gene Nakashima, Commissioner
Laurisa Nishimoto, Commissioner
Arthur Taniguchi, Commissioner
Absent and Excused: Alan Okamoto, Commissioner
Melvin Ventura, Commissioner
Others Present: Stacie Waltjen, Director
Brandon Gonzalez, Administrative Officer
Kevin Soong, 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 the roll call, please say present when your name is called.
Sayles: Vice Chair Okabe.
Okabe: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Morifuji.
Morifuji: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Nakashima.
Nakashima: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Nishimoto.
Nishimoto: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Taniguchi.
Taniguchi: Present.
Sayles: Chair Yadao.
Yadao: Present.
Sayles: Commissioner Tristie Licoan is running late. Absent and excused today are
Commissioner Alan Okamoto, and Commissioner Melvin Ventura. Others present are
Director Stacie Waltjen, Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez, Deputy Corporation
Counsel Kevin Soong, Licensing Officer Zoe Bertelmann, and Commission Secretary
Hau`oli Sayles.
II. Approval of Minutes —June 4, 2026 (10:02 AM)
Yadao: The June 4, 2026, regular session minutes were circulated via email on
June 25, 2026. Is there a motion to approve the meeting minutes as circulated?
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, move to approve.
Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve the
June 4, 2026, Liquor Commission meeting minutes
as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi.
Yadao: Is there any public testimony?
There was no public testimony.
Yadao: Hearing none, is there any discussion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Yadao: No discussion, all those in favor say "Aye."
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 21 2026 - HILO PAGE 2 OF 25
The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Yadao: Opposed "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Yadao: Motion has carried.
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: Any 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 (10:03 AM)
1. APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
(10:03 AM) TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TMK:
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
Representing applicant: Michelle Agbigay, Owner, and
Wesson Tuares, Authorized Agent.
Yadao: Good morning, if you can please state your name and relationship to the
business.
Agbigay: My name is Michelle Agbigay, I'm the owner.
Tuares: Morning, my name is Wesson Tuares, and I'm an authorized representative.
Yadao: If you could please describe your business?
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Agbigay: A small intimate seated lounge speakeasy, it's right behind a gift shop that
we also operate. We can seat up to 21 people, but for the speakeasy we're looking at
about 14-15 at a time, so serving about 45 people per night, it's seated so it's not like a
standing bar. We book primarily based on reservations but walk-ins are welcome too.
Reservation process would be working with our network of small businesses to get a
password into the online reservations that way, or you can come into the shop and
make reservations with the cashier up front. Yeah, and we will be serving cocktails,
so it would be a menu of about 5 to 10 different signature drinks with pairings, so it
wouldn't be like full pupu-style because the space is really small, so we're looking at
doing small pairings with each cocktail.
Yadao: Thank you. Are there any changes to the report?
Agbigay: No, no changes.
Yadao: Any public testimony?
There was no public testimony.
Yadao: Director, are there any reports of protests?
Waltjen: Chair, the applicant mailed 7 out of 7 notices within 100 feet, 66 out of 68
within 500 feet. There were 66 properties within 500 feet entitled to protest, we
received no protests to this application.
Yadao: Just for the record, I just want to report that Commissioner Tristie Licoan just
joined us and is now present at this meeting.
Commissioner Tristie Licoan present at 10:05 AM.
Yadao: Commission, is there any discussion or questions?
Morifuji: I have one, you may have said this at the last meeting but on the sketch,
where is the liquor storage area?
Agbigay: It is in the hallway between the kitchen and the bathroom.
Morifuji: Oh okay, so it's Number 10, or 13, or 14?
Agbigay: It's right next to, you know where there's Number 1, there's a cabinet storage
area, so there's two locked liquor cabinets there.
Morifuji: Okay.
Agbigay: And the liquor would be locked every day after service.
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Morifuji: Thank you. And according to this sketch, where will the consumption area
begin and end?
Agbigay: It'll be right behind the retail shop, so there's a wall right behind there, and
then it'll go all the way to the back to the restroom area. So, the retail shop wouldn't be
part of the licensed premises.
Morifuji: So, the consumption area is like an "U, it's going to run all the way back to the
exit?
Agbigay: Yes.
Morifuji: Okay, thank you.
Yadao: Okay, so if there's no further discussion or questions, can I have a motion to
close the public hearing?
Taniguchi: Move to close public hearing.
Okabe: Second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to close the public
hearing; 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 is carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Yadao: Can I get a motion to approve or deny Application No. 25-21, pending final
inspection?
Okabe: Motion to approve.
Taniguchi: Second.
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Commissioner Okabe moved to approve Application No. 25-21,
Tun Hawaii LLC, dba Extraction Speakeasy, for an Original
Dispenser General liquor license, Category 131, located at
166 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 2-3-010:006, pending
final inspection; 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.
VI. Preliminary Hearings (10:07 AM)
1.
111116-sDu" 8E
APPLICATION NO.:
APPLICANT:
TRADE NAME:
PLACE OF BUSINESS:
TMK:
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, and
Ratification of Temporary Wholesale General
liquor license, effective May 30, 2026
Representing applicant: Robert Ichikawa, Esq., Authorized Agent, and
Spring Brooks, Manager.
Yadao: Good morning.
Ichikawa: Good morning, Chair, Commissioners, Ms. Waltjen, Mr. Gonzalez, Robert
Ichikawa representing Island Distributing LLC, doing business as Island Distributing.
To my right is the Manager for this location, Spring Brooks, and we reviewed the report
and there's no changes to the report.
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Yadao: For the record, if you could please state your name and relationship to the
business?
Brooks: My name is Spring Brooks and I'm the Manager of the Kona Branch.
Yadao: Thank you, and then If you could please describe the business?
Ichikawa: Generally, it's a wholesaler business that distributes wine, spirits, beer and
some non-alcoholic beverages.
Yadao: Is there any public testimony?
There was no public testimony.
Yadao: Hearing none. Commission, is there any discussion or questions?
Morifuji: I have a question, on your sketch, what is that red area mean right in the
center, or the top half?
Ichikawa: It's one of the racks that was I guess included in the drawing but really it's
just there to store.
Morifuji: I see, just storage racks?
Ichikawa: Yes.
Morifuji: Thank you.
Ichikawa: Thank you.
Yadao: If no further discussion, can I have a motion to approve or deny Application No.
T25-22? If approved, public hearing to be held on August 6, 2026, in Kona.
Morifuji: Move to approve.
Okabe: Second.
Commissioner Morifuji moved to approve Application No. T25-22,
Island Distributing L.L.C., dba Island Distributing, for a Sale and
Transfer of the Wholesale General liquor license, currently held
by Young's Market Company, LLC, dba RNDC of Hawaii, located
at 73-4854 Kanalani Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, TMK: 7-3-051-014,
with public hearing to be held on August 6, 2026, in Kona, Hawaii;
Seconded by Commissioner Okabe.
Yadao: Any discussion of the motion?
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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.
Yadao: Next, is there a motion to ratify issuance of Temporary License No.
T-WG-322, effective May 30, 2026?
Taniguchi: Move to ratify.
Yadao: Is there a second.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to ratify issuance of
Temporary License No. T-WG-322, effective May 30, 2026;
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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VII. Unfinished Business -None (10: 11 AM)
Yadao: There's no Unfinished Business at this time.
VIII. New Business (10:11 AM)
Yadao: Any public testimony for New Business Item Nos. 1 through 6?
There were no public testimony.
Yadao: Let the record reflect, there is no one from the public present.
CHANGED THE ORDER OF BUSINESS: THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS TAKEN OUT
OF nRDFR
2. Change in Members /Officers /Directors Submitted for Approval
g. JRG Enterprises LLC, dba The HI Dive Bar, requesting approval
of Change in Members and Application for Transfer of Membership
(10:12 AM) 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.
Representing licensee: David Monce, Member, and Fritz Eoff,
Authorized Agent.
Yadao: Good morning.
Gonzalez: Can you guys state your name and identify yourselves for the Commission?
Monce: My name is David Monce, sole proprietor.
Eoff: Fritz Eoff, whose going to be a member at some point.
Yadao: If you could please explain the reason for the change in transfer?
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Monce: We're transferring the license from the old owner, we're purchasing the bar
from Jenna, we're transferring the license from her to us.
Yadao: Thank you. Can I have a motion to approve?
Okabe: Motion to approve the change and transfer.
Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Okabe moved to approve the 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; 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.
RETURNED TO THE ORDER OF BUSINESS
Yadao: Let the record reflect, there is no one from the public present.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 21 2026 - HILO PAGE 10 OF 25
1. Request to Extend the Time for Issuance of License Submitted for Approval
(10: 14 AM) 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.
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: Move to approve, I think the applicant has stated very succinctly having
followed all the steps required, this unexpected requirement, they followed through with
that, so it appears as though everything is going as planned and all things were
submitted per the County's requirements, so they just waiting for approval. The good
cause is stated in this letter.
Okabe: Okabe, second.
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 July 3, 2026,
to and including July 3, 2027, by letter received June 14, 2026,
of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category 131, located
at 81-6641 Hawaii Belt Road, #5, Kealakekua, Hawaii;
Seconded by Commissioner Okabe.
Yadao: Is there 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.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 21 2026 - HILO PAGE 11 OF 25
The motion was carried unanimously.
b. Original Thai Cuisine LLC, dba Original Thai Cuisine,
RE: Application No. 23-34, requesting approval to extend the time
(10: 15 AM) 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.
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: Are you just making the motion for discussion?
Taniguchi: No, I'm asking the question, you can't discuss until you get a motion, right?
Gonzalez: I think Commissioner Morifuji is saying, you can make a motion and have it
seconded for discussion purposes because you trying to flush out the good cause
think is what you getting at.
Taniguchi: I think maybe Brandon or Stacie can enlighten us because the letter
doesn't say much.
Waltjen: Yes, so Commissioner Taniguchi, we have been in communication with the
Manager, Metsai to follow up on the request for extension. So, previously they were
told that they needed to obtain "As -Build" permits for work that was done before they
would be able to obtain final inspections for the premises of their liquor license. So,
they've been working to get that complete, fulfill the requirements from Public Works to
get the "As -Build" permits. So that's what they're doing, side note, Metsai is currently
nine months pregnant, so she's been having a hard time trying to keep up with that, as
well as helping to run the restaurant, they're currently open. And it's you know, the mom
is the owner but she lets Metsai take care of all the business side of things because
think for her, English might be a second language so Metsai does all of that. The owner
has been responsive, we've been in communication with them, it's just she needs a little
bit more time to get things done.
Taniguchi: So I move to approve the extension based on the information received by
the Department.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 21 2026 - HILO PAGE 12 OF 25
Morifuji: I second.
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 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 I I i ma Court, 75-5629 Kuaki n i
Highway, Suite 175, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Seconded by
Commissioner Morifuji.
Yadao: Any further discussion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Yadao: Hearing none, let's take this down to a vote, 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.
2. Change in Members / Officers / Directors Submitted for Approval
(10: 17 AM) 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.
Yadao: Is there a motion to approve?
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Okabe: Motion to approve.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Okabe moved to approve the 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 132, located
at 73-4676 Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway, Mile Marker 95,
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 has carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
b. Accor Management US Inc., dba The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii,
requesting approval of Change in Officers / Directors as follows:
(10: 17 AM)
• 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.
Yadao: Is there a motion to approve?
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Taniguchi: Move to approve.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve the 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; 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 has carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
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:
(10: 18 AM)
• 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.
Yadao: Is there a motion to approve?
Okabe: So moved.
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Yadao: Is there a second?
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Okabe moved to approve the 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; 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 has carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
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:
(10:19 AM)
• 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;
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 21 2026 - HILO PAGE 16 OF 25
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.
Yadao: Is there a motion to approve?
Taniguchi: Move to approve.
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to approve the 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; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Yadao: Any discussion of the motion?
Morifuji: The President, Exalted Ruler, is his Personal History and Affidavit is on file?
Waltjen: Correct, yes.
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 has carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
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e. The North West Company (International) Inc., dba Cost-U-Less,
requesting approval of Change in Officers / Directors as follows:
(10:20 AM)
• 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.
Yadao: Is there a motion to approve?
Nishimoto: Nishimoto, motion to approve.
Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve the 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;
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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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:
(10:20 AM)
• 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.
Yadao: Is there a motion to approve?
Okabe: So moved.
Yadao: Any second?
Morifuji: Second.
Commissioner Okabe moved to approve the 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 form 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; Seconded
by Commissioner Morifuji.
Yadao: Is there a discussion of the motion?
There was no discussion by Commissioners.
Yadao: Hearing none, all those in favor say "Aye."
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The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Yadao: Opposed "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Yadao: Motion has carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
3. Permits Issued for Ratification (10:21 AM)
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.
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.
Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify?
Taniguchi: Move to ratify.
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Nishimoto: Second.
Commissioner Taniguchi moved to ratify Permits Issued
for Ratification, Item Nos. 3(a) through 3(e), as stated in
the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto.
Yadao: Is there any discussion?
Morifuji: I have discussion, under My Bar application, is that a typo where it says from
8:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M., and the application states it cannot go past midnight?
Waltjen: Commissioner Morifuji, it's not a typo, in the past we've allowed My Bar to
operate under a temporary license to 2:00 A.M., however we have had our investigators
double check on them and we've noted that they haven't stayed open passed midnight
when he does do these temporaries.
Morifuji: Thank you.
Waltjen: You're welcome.
Yadao: Thank you, 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 has carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
4. Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification
(10:22 AM) 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.
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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 Wmane
Street, Units G & F, Honoka`a, Hawaii.
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.
Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify?
Okabe: So moved.
Yadao: Is there a second?
Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Okabe moved to ratify Temporary
Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification,
Item Nos. 4(a) and 4(f), as stated in the agenda;
Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi.
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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.
5. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:23 AM)
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.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 21 2026 - HILO PAGE 23 OF 25
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.
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.
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 IV15malahoa 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.
Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify?
Okabe: So moved.
Taniguchi: Second.
Commissioner Okabe moved to ratify Special Licenses Issued for
Ratification, Item Nos. 5(a) through 5(I), License Nos. SP-25-150
through SP-25-158, AND SP-26-002 through SP-26-004, 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."
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The Commissioners voted "Aye."
Yadao: Opposed "Nay."
There was no opposition by Commissioners.
Yadao: Motion has carried.
The motion was carried unanimously.
6. Memorandum dated June 2, 2026, from Brandon Gonzalez, Liquor
Administrative Officer, reporting about the meetings, sessions,
(10:24 AM) 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
Yadao: Is there any discussion or questions to Brandon's report?
Morifuji: Just a comment, that is a well written report.
IX. Announcements (10:25 AM)
Meetings of the Liquor Commission
August 6, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Kona Meeting Room, Department of Liquor
Control, Hanama Place, 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
Meeting adjourned at 10:25 A.M.
..�Attacie T. Waltjen
Director
The July Z 2026 meeting minutes were approved as circulated, via email on
July 30, 2026, by the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawaii on August 6, 2026.
MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026 - HILO PAGE 25 OF 25