Committee forwards Duane T. Mukai to Liquor Control Adjudication Board

The Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs voted to close the file and forward Mayor Alameda’s nomination of Duane T. Mukai to the Liquor Control Adjudication Board with a favorable recommendation.

Micah Alameda, executive assistant in the mayor’s office, introduced Mukai and said he was born and raised in Hilo, earned a BBA in management from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1978, and has served on multiple local boards and commissions. Alameda urged the committee to confirm Mukai, noting the nominee’s experience and continuity for the department’s new director: “We’re so grateful for him to come back and give more of his time,” Alameda said.

Mukai, who the mayor’s office said would serve a term expiring Dec. 31, 2030 if confirmed by full council, told members he previously served on the board and as its chairman and expects a short learning curve. “I am very honored to be sitting in this position,” Mukai said.

Councilmember Kirkowitz voiced support for the nomination, saying Mukai is “no stranger to service” and will work well with the new liquor director. Councilmember Conley Kleinfelder disclosed that Mukai had been his financial adviser in the past and that Mukai “may currently have one small…account for one of my kid’s savings account,” but Kleinfelder said he nonetheless would vote in favor.

A motion to forward the nomination was made and seconded (mover named in the record as Councilmember Kerpouet; second named as Councilmember Kimball). The clerk announced the result as six in favor; Councilmembers Inaba, Galimba and Villegas were absent. The nomination will now move to full council for confirmation.

The committee adjourned at 9:28 a.m.