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Committee clears technical fixes to Honolulu's class‑10 special liquor license amid backlog concerns
Summary
The committee passed SB 2835, a technical cleanup for class‑10 special liquor licenses. Honolulu Liquor Commission officials said license backlogs (average pending ~400 days) have forced repeated temporary licenses; the bill clarifies county applicability and administrative processes.
On April 1 the House Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee passed SB 2835, a technical cleanup to clarify application requirements and county applicability for class 10 special liquor licenses and to adjust how a portion of fines may be used for education and enforcement programs.
Jeff Hong, chair of the Honolulu Liquor Commission, and Anna Hirai, assistant administrator, testified the commission issues class 10 special licenses (including for‑profit temporary licenses) and that the agency has seen application delays that have left businesses dependent on temporary permits. "By statute, we're only allowed to issue temporary licenses to businesses for 240 days. Unfortunately, the current average age of pending applications is 400 days," Hong said. He described the current practice as a stopgap while the commission works to streamline processes.
Members queried whether the expanded use of for‑profit specials has outstripped the original intent and whether neighbors would have time to intervene on licenses noticed as specials. Commission representatives said special licenses for for‑profit applicants appear on the public agenda and require neighborhood‑board notice, giving residents the opportunity to protest or testify.
The committee adopted the chair's recommended technical amendments and passed the bill. The Liquor Commission said it will continue a permitted interaction group to pursue internal process improvements to address backlog issues.
