HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-01 Liquor Commission Fact Sheet01 /01 /26
LIQUOR COMMISSION
Purpose: To adopt, amend, and repeal regulations having the force and effect of
law for the administration of liquor control in the County, and to carry out
provisions of the liquor control laws of the State. Grant, renew, or refuse
any licenses for the manufacture, importation, and sale of liquor in the
County under applicable laws and regulations.
Authority: Hawai'i County Charter, Section 7-3.2. Rules and Regulations
of the Liquor Commission of the Department of Liquor Control of the
County of Hawai'i, State of Hawai'i. Chapter 281, HRS, as amended.
Appointment: By Mayor and confirmed by Council. Five-year staggered terms.
Full Membership: Nine members.
Specific Representation: One member from each Council district.
Requirements: Not more than five of the members shall belong to the same political party.
Hawai'i County Charter, Section 13-4 (f).
Meetings: First Thursday of every month, at the Department of Liquor Control,
Hilo Meeting Room and Kona Meeting Room.
Financial Disclosure: Members must file Financial Disclosure within 20 working days of taking
the Oath of Office. Thereafter, annual disclosures must be filed on or
before January 31 St. D isclosures are confidential and will be kept on
file by the Board of Ethics. County Code, Chapter 2, Section 2-91.1.
Reappointment:
Following term expiration, no member may be reappointed for
at least two years unless their initial term was for two years
or less.
Qualities:
Respected as being community -minded and oriented.
Able to focus on
community needs as a whole without catering to special or self-interest.
Membership:
District Current Members Oath of Office
Term Expiration
1 Steve Morifuji, Indep. 10/08/2025
12/31/2029
2 Arthur Taniguchi, Indep. 01 /29/2024
12/31 /2028
3 Wil Okabe, Dem. 03/02/2023
12/31/2027
4 Jennifer Yadao, Indep. 02/10/2022
12/31/2026
5 Laurisa Nishimoto, Indep. 03/14/2022
12/31/2026
6 Gene Nakashima, Indep. 03/06/2025
12/31/2027
7 Alan Okamoto, Indep. 08/06/2025
12/31 /2030
8 Melvin Ventura, Indep. 09/04/2024
12/31/2028
9 VACANT
12/31 /2030
Contact Person:
Hau`oli Sayles, Secretary
(808) 961-8218
Attorney Assigned:
Cameron Takamura, Deputy Corporation Counsel
*The information on this sheet is condensed. For full information see appropriate
Sections of the County Charter, County Code and/or Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended.
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