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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-03 Liquor Commission Minutes HiloCOUNTY OF HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 3, 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 Gene Nakashima, Commissioner Laurisa Nishimoto, Commissioner Alan Okamoto, Commissioner Arthur Taniguchi, Commissioner Melvin Ventura, Commissioner Absent and Excused: Steve Morifuji, Commissioner Others Present: Stacie Waltjen, Director Brandon Gonzalez, Administrative Officer Kevin Soong, Deputy Corporation Counsel ZoeAnn Bertelmann, Licensing Technician Micah Alameda, Executive Assistant, Mayor's Office 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. This meeting is also being streamed for viewing only using Zoom Webinar. We will now do roll call, please say present when your name is called. Sayles: Vice Chair Okabe. Okabe: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Licoan. Licoan: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Nakashima. Nakashima: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Nishimoto. Nishimoto: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Okamoto. Okamoto: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Taniguchi. Taniguchi: Present. Sayles: Commissioner Ventura. Ventura: Present. Sayles: Chair Yadao. Yadao: Present. Sayles: Absent and excused today is Commissioner Steve Morifuji. Others present are Director Stacie Waltjen, Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez, Deputy Corporation Counsel Kevin Soong, Licensing Officer Zoe Bertelmann, special guest from the Mayor's Office today, Micah Alameda, Executive Assistant, and Commission Secretary Hau`oli Sayles. II. Approval of Minutes —August 6, 2026, Regular Session (10:02AM) Yadao: The August 6, 2026, regular session minutes were circulated via email on August 28, 2026. Is there a motion to approve regular meeting minutes as circulated? Okabe: Okabe, so moved. Taniguchi: Taniguchi, second. Commissioner Okabe moved to approve the August 6, 2026, MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 2 OF 21 Liquor Commission meeting minutes as circulated; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. Yadao: Is there any public testimony at this time? There was no public testimony. Yadao: Seeing none, is there any discussion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Let's take this to a vote, all those in favor say "Aye." The Commissioners voted "Aye." Yadao: Any 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 or supplemental agenda. IV. Public Statements on Agenda Items (10:02 AM) Yadao: Interested persons wishing to provide testimony on any agenda item may do so now or at the time the specific agenda item is called. Is there any statements from members of the public at this time? There were no statements from members of the public. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 3 OF 21 V. Public Hearings (10:03 AM) 1. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:03 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TM K: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: T25-24 Umekes Bar and Grill, LLC Umeke's Bar and Grill 74-5599 Pawai Place, Building A, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 7-4-010:018 Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, currently held by Umekes, LLC, d ba Umeke's Fish Market Bar & Grill Representing applicant: Matthew Mather, Owner. Yadao: Good morning, please state your name and relationship to the business. Mather: Matthew Mather, Owner. Yadao: If you could please describe the business. Mather: Umeke's is a full -service restaurant and bar with a deli -style grab -and -go option, we're open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily for lunch and dinner serving mainly seafood, poke, and local -style cuisine, pulehu beef and kalbi, and we have live music couple times a month. Yadao: Thank you, have you received the application report? Mather: Yes. Yadao: Are there any changes to the report? Mather: No. Yadao: Director, are there any reports of protests? Waltjen: Chair, this is a sale and transfer, notification was made publication on August 15, 2026, we received no protests to this application. Yadao: Thank you, is there any public testimony at this time? There was no public testimony. Yadao: Hearing none. Commission, is there any discussion or questions? There was no discussion by Commissioners. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 4 OF 21 Yadao: Hearing none, is there a motion to close the public hearing? Okabe: Okabe, move to close public hearing. Okamoto: Okamoto, second. Commissioner Okabe moved to close the public hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Okamoto. 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. The motion was carried unanimously. Yadao: Is there a motion to approve or deny Application No. T25-24, pending final inspection? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, move to approve Application No. T25-24, pending final inspection. Okamoto: Okamoto, second. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application No. T25-24, Umekes Bar and Grill, LLC, dba Umeke's Bar and Grill, for a Sale and Transfer of the Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, currently held by Umekes, LLC, dba Umeke's Fish Market Bar & Grill, located at 74-5599 Pawai Place, Building A, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, TMK: 7-4-010:018, pending final inspection; Seconded by Commissioner Okamoto. Yadao: Is there any discussion of the motion? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: Hearing none, all those in favor say "Aye." MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 5 OF 21 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 (10:06 AM) 1. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:06 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 26-02 Sohn LLC Jeju Cafe 76-5924 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, Hawaii 7-6-008-029 Original Retail General liquor license Representing applicant: Danny Sohn, Owner, and Who Yoneyama, Authorized Representative. Yadao: Good morning, please state your name and relationship to the business. Yoneyama: Good morning, this is Miho Yoneyama, speaking on behalf of Danny Sohn, Sohn LLC (Limited Liability Company), dba Jeju Caf6, he has purchased the old Paul Store in Holualoa, and he just wants to keep the original as much as possible, not going into building permit renovations but just to upgrade his appliances and touch up, and reapply for liquor license retail. Yadao: Have you received the application report? Yoneyama: Yes. Yadao: Are there any changes to the report? Yoneyama: The business hours, Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday closed. Yadao: Is there any public testimony at this time? There was no public testimony. Yadao: Commission, is there any discussion or questions? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 6 OF 21 Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, I have questions, it says that there will be hot food items to go and packaged foods, I noticed that he has a very extensive background in food as a chef, could you describe some of the items that you will have? Yoneyama: Well, we're going to have packaged bento, right? Sohn: Yes, mostly cold foods, salads, sushi, sandwiches, yeah we do it starting like that way. Nishimoto: And then I also noticed that you have like a community center that you're setting up, but it is it where there is no consumption of food or alcohol on the premise? Yoneyama: Community center is just tables, right? Nishimoto: Okay. Yoneyama: Tables and the chairs. Nishimoto: Not for people to go and eat in there or drink in there or anything? Yoneyama: They can open up the bentos and sandwiches and eat there but no liquor, and your staff is going to be supervising, make sure no bottles is going to be open and no cans going to be open. The soft drinks are okay, water is okay but no liquor. Nishimoto: Okay, thank you. Yoneyama: He has an open public restroom. Ventura: Did the previous owner have an existing license? Waltjen: Yes, but they closed for maybe about a year now. Ventura: Okay, so that's why we can't do a sale and transfer type? Waltjen: Yes Yadao: If no further questions, can I have a motion to approve or deny Application No. 26-02? If approved, public hearing to be held on November 5, 2026, in Hilo. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, move to approve Application No. 26-02. If approved, public hearing to be held on November 5, 2026, in Hilo. Yadao: Is there a second? Licoan: Licoan, second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 7 OF 21 Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application No. 26-02, Sohn LLC, dba Jeju Cafe, for an Original Retail General liquor license, located at 76-5924 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, Hawaii, TMK: 7-6-008-029, with public hearing to be held on November 5, 2026, in Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Licoan. 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. 2. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:10 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 26-06 Uila Records LLC Uila Records 65-1227 A Opelo Road, Suite 104, Kamuela, Hawaii 6-5-002-042 Original Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2 Representing applicant: Michael Bennett, Owner. Yadao: Good morning, please state your name and relationship to the business. Bennett: Michael Bennett, Owner. Yadao: And if you could please describe your business. Bennett: It's a retail and a community event space in Waimea. Yadao: Have you receive the application report? Bennett: Yes. Yadao: Are there any changes to the report? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 8 OF 21 Bennett: No. Yadao: Is there any public testimony at this time? There was no public testimony. Yadao: Hearing none, Commission, is there any questions? Nishimoto: Commissioner Nishimoto, I have question, just out of curiosity, "uila", what does that mean? Bennett: Electricity or lightning. Nishimoto: And then records, you have records there, so I'm thinking like you know, old school record player, is that kind of like the entertainment that you have there or you're selling records? Bennett: We sell records. Nishimoto: You're selling records? Bennett: Yes. Nishimoto: It's an old thing you know records, oh I think of the vinyl you know but some of the people might be like what's records? Bennett: Yes, exactly, so the vision is to have it partly a vinyl like listening lounge, so we'll have nice speakers and a lounge. Nishimoto: I see, okay, thank you. Yadao: If there are no further questions, is there a motion to approve or deny Application No. 26-06? If approved, public hearing to be held on November 5, 2026, in Hilo. Nishimoto: Move to approve Application No. 26-06. If approved, public hearing to be held on November 5, 2026, in Hilo. Yadao: Is there a second? Okamoto: Okamoto, second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 9 OF 21 Commissioner Nishimoto moved to approve Application No. 26-06, Uila Records LLC, dba Uila Records, for an Original Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2, located at 65-1227 A Opelo Road, Suite 104, Kamuela, Hawaii, TMK: 6-5-002-042, with public hearing to be held on November 5, 2026, in Hilo, Hawaii; Seconded by Commissioner Okamoto. 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. 3. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10:13 AM) TRADE NAME: PLACE OF BUSINESS: TMK: LICENSE APPLIED FOR: 26-07 Big Island Gourmet Pizza LLC Big Pizza 68-1845 Waikoloa Road, Suite 117, Waikoloa, Hawaii 6-8-003-007 Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category A Representing applicant: Josh Prigge, Owner. Yadao: Hello, good morning. If you could please state your name and relationship to the business. Prigge: Hi, Josh Prigge, Owner. Yadao: Thank you, if you could please describe the business. Prigge: A pizza restaurant and bar opening up hopefully in about three months. Yadao: Have you received the application report? Prigge: Yes. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 10 OF 21 Yadao: Are there any changes to the report? Prigge: No. Yadao: Is there any public testimony at this time? There was no public testimony. Yadao: Seeing none. Commission, any questions? Taniguchi: I have a question, so is this in that shopping complex, the mauka side? Prigge: Yes, Waikoloa Highlands, yes. Yadao: If no further questions, may I have a motion to approve or deny Application No. 26-07? If approved, public hearing to be held on November 5, 2026, in Hilo. Ventura: Ventura, move to approve Application No. 26-07. If approved, public hearing to be held November 5, 2026, in Hilo. Taniguchi: Taniguchi, second. Commissioner Ventura moved to approve Application No. 26-07, Big Island Gourmet Pizza LLC, dba Big Pizza, for an Original Restaurant General liquor license, Category A, located at 68-1845 Waikoloa Road, Suite 117, Waikoloa, Hawaii, TMK: 6-8-003-007, with public hearing to be held on November 5, 2026, in 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. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 11 OF 21 VII. Unfinished Business (10: 15 AM) 1. APPLICATION NO.: APPLICANT: (10: 15 AM) 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 Representing applicant: Robert Ichikawa, Esq., Drew Ichikawa, Esq., Authorized Agent, and Spring Brooks, Manager. Yadao: Good morning, if you could please state your name and relationship to the business? Ichikawa: Good morning, Chair, Commissioners, Director Waltjen, Drew Ichikawa, Authorized Agent on behalf of Island Distributing LLC (Limited Liability Company). To my right Brooks: I'm Spring Brooks, I'm the Manager of the Kona branch. Yadao: Thank you, can you please describe your business? Ichikawa: Sure, Island Distributing is a wholesale distributor of liquor that operates in almost all counties of Hawaii, in Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and here in Hawaii County. Back in April of this year they acquired Young's Market Company, LLC (Limited Liability Company), dba (doing business as) RNDC of Hawaii, and that's the reason that we're applying for this transfer of wholesale liquor license. So, it will actually be the third license that they hold in Hawaii County. Yadao: Thank you. Have you received the application report? Ichikawa: We have, there are no changes to the report and no written protests to our knowledge. Yadao: Thank you. Director, are there any reports of protests? Waltjen: Chair, this is a sale and transfer, notification was made by publication on July 11, 2026. We received no protests to the application. Yadao: Thank you. Is there any public testimony at this time? There was no public testimony. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 12 OF 21 Yadao: Hearing none. Commission, do you have any questions? There was no discussion by Commissioners. Yadao: If no further questions, can I get a motion to close the public hearing? Licoan: Licoan, motion to close. Yadao: Is there a second? Taniguchi: Taniguchi, second. Commissioner Licoan moved to close the public hearing; Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. 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. The motion was carried unanimously. Yadao: May I get a motion to approve or deny Application No. T25-22, pending final inspection? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, move to approve Application No. T25-22, pending final inspection. Yadao: Is there a second? Taniguchi: Taniguchi, second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 13 OF 21 Commissioner Nishimoto 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, 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. VIII. New Business (10:18AM) Yadao: Is there any public testimony for New Business Item Nos. 1 through 3? There were no statements from members of the public. Yadao: Let the record reflect, there is no one from the public present at this time. 1. Permits Issued for Ratification (10:18AM) a. Volcano Vineyards, LLC, dba Volcano Winery, ratification of Application for Entertainment Permit, for events on August 9, and August 22, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on August 7, 2026; of its Winery liquor license, Category A, located at the Volcano Golf Course Subdivision, 35 Pi`i Mauna Drive, Volcano, Hawaii. b. Pi Yon Cho, Inc., dba Joann's Restaurant & Lounge, ratification of request to transfer liquor inventory to Ash & Co Hospitality LLC, dba Layover Lounge, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on July 10, 2026, of its Dispenser General liquor license, Category B2 and D, located at the Waiakea Kai Shopping Plaza, 88 Kanoelehua Avenue, Suite B108, Hilo, Hawaii. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 14 OF 21 C. Robert Biven, Solicitor, Chambers & Chambers, Inc., ratification of Application for Solicitor's Permit, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on August 19, 2026, of its Wholesaler -General liquor license, located at 501 Kokea Street, Unit Al /A2, Honolulu, Hawaii. d. Berj Corporation, dba My Bar, ratification of Application for Game Permits, for events on August 23 and 30, and September 6, 2026) approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on August 19, 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. e. 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 August 24, 2026; approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on August 24, 2026; of its Temporary Club liquor license, Category B2, located at 75-170 Hualalai Road, Suite E-100, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify? Taniguchi: Taniguchi, move to ratify. Nishimoto: Nishimoto, second. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to ratify Permits Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 1(a) through 1(e), as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Nishimoto. Yadao: Is there any discussion of the motion? Taniguchi: Yeah, I have a question. So, on Item No. 1(c), they're applying for solicitor's license because they're in Honolulu, right? So, they don't have a license here to solicit, is that what it is? Waltjen: Yes, so it allows a licensed wholesaler or manufacturer in another county to designate a solicitor to solicit their products to our licensed retailers. Taniguchi: So, this was just approving their application, is that what it is? Waltjen: Yes. Taniguchi: So, they applied? Waltjen: Yes, and they have to reapply every year, so the permit that we approve is good for a year, and every year they have to come in and submit paperwork and pay the fee. So actually, he has come in before for the solicitor's permit. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 15 OF 21 Taniguchi: Thank you. Yadao: If there's 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. 2. Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification (10:21 AM) a. Smash Daddy's LLC, dba Smash Daddy's, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on September 12, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on August 3, 2026; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B1, located at the Waikoloa Plaza, 68-1820 Waikoloa Road, #E105, Waikoloa, Hawaii. b. Napua Hilo LLC, dba Lehua Restaurant at Imiloa, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event on August 12, 2026, approved by Administrative Officer Brandon Gonzalez on August 11, 2026; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 600 `Imiloa Place, Hilo, Hawaii. C. KBXtreme, LLC, dba KBXtreme, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for events on October 25, and November 67 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on August 19, 2026) of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category B2, located at 75-5591 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify? Nishimoto: Nishimoto, motion to ratify. Okamoto: Okamoto, second. Commissioner Nishimoto moved to ratify Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 2(a) through 2(c), as stated in the agenda; Seconded by Commissioner Okamoto. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 16 OF 21 Yadao: Any discussion of the motion? Taniguchi: Yeah, so what is that next thing, then? What is (d)? Gonzalez: That's a separate item, you only talking about Item Nos. (a) through (c). Taniguchi: Just for (a), (b), (c)? Gonzalez: (A), (b), and (c), yes. Yadao: If no further discussion or questions, 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. DJL Holualoa LLC, dba Holualoa Farm Kitchen, ratification of Application for Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises, for an event (10:21 AM) on August 24, 2026, approved by Director Stacie Waltjen on August 24, 2026; of its Restaurant General liquor license, Category 131, located at 76-5900 Old Government Road, Holualoa, Hawaii. Yadao: Due to a typographical error, there's a correction to the date of the event, it should be August 23, 2026, not August 24, 2026, as stated. Is there a motion to correct the event date to August 23, 2026? Okabe: Okabe, move to change the date to August 23rd. Yadao: Is there a second? Taniguchi: Taniguchi, second. Commissioner Okabe moved to correct the date to August 23, 2026, and ratify Temporary Increase in Licensed Premises Issued for Ratification, Item No. 2(d); Seconded by Commissioner Taniguchi. Yadao: Is there any public testimony at this time? MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 17 OF 21 There was no public testimony. Yadao: Hearing none. Is there any discussion at this time? Gonzalez: Commissioner Taniguchi, your question earlier was about this item, do you still have that question? Taniguchi: No. Gonzalez: Oh okay. Taniguchi: Because I was wondering how come it says, "and", "there", and then (d). Gonzalez: Okay, yeah so on the agenda we put the wrong date, on the application the date is the 23rd Taniguchi: But, was correct? Gonzalez: Yeah, thank you for that. 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. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 18 OF 21 3. Special Licenses Issued for Ratification (10:22 AM) a. License No. SP-26-023, Hawaii Island United Way, dba Hawaii Island United Way, for a Special General liquor license, for events on August 8 & 9, 2026, held at the Mauna Lani Golf Course, 68-1050 Makaiwa Place, Waimea, Hawaii. b. License No. SP-26-024, Laupa`i, dba Laupa`i, for a Special General liquor license, for an event on September 26, 2026, held at the Maku`u Farmers Market, 15-2131 Kea`au-Pahoa Road, Pahoa, Hawaii. C. License No. SP-26-025, Donkey Mill Art Center, dba Donkey Mill Art Center, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on August 22, 2026, held at 78-6670 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, Hawaii. d. License No. SP-26-026, 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 August 1, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. e. License No. SP-26-027, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, dba Kahilu Theatre Foundation, for a Special Beer and Wine liquor license, for an event on August 5, 2026, held at the Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii. f. License No. SP-26-028, 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 August 7, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. g. License No. SP-26-029, 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 August 14, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. h. License No. SP-26-030, 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 August 15, 2026, held at the Hilo Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, Hawaii. Yadao: Is there a motion to ratify? Licoan: Licoan, motion to ratify. Okabe: Okabe, second. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 19 OF 21 Commissioner Licoan moved to ratify Special Licenses Issued for Ratification, Item Nos. 3(a) through 3(h), License Nos. SP-26-023 through SP-26-030, as stated in the agenda; 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. The motion was carried unanimously. IX. Announcements (10:22 AM) Meetings of the Liquor Commission October 1, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Kona Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 107, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. November 5, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Hilo Meeting Room, Department of Liquor Control, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Au pu n i Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii. Reminder Regarding Sunshine Law Soong: Deputy Corporation Counsel Kevin Soong, so just as a quick reminder, Commission business must be discussed only during our public meetings, never in private conversations, emails, or side meetings, even among a few members. The Sunshine Law exists to keep government open, transparent and accountable so that the public can see how and why our decisions are made. That's all. Yadao: Thank you. Any discussion or questions? There was no discussion by Commissioners. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 - HILO PAGE 20 OF 21 9- Stacie T. Waltjen Director The September 3., 2026,, meeting minutes were approved as circulated. via emay on September 28, 2026, by the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawai'i on October 1, 2026. MINUTES - LIQUOR COMMISSION MEETING - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER • - HILO PAGE 21 OF 21