HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-06_LiquorControlCommissionselectsLeoSandovalasnewLiquorControlDirectorDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: May 6, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
OFFICE OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ELLEN CHING, ADMINISTRATOR
(808) 241-4917
Liquor Control Commission selects Leo Sandoval as new Liquor Control director
LĪHU‘E – The County of Kaua‘i’s Liquor Control Commission is pleased to announce the selection
of Leo Sandoval as the new director for the Department of Liquor Control.
“Almost one year ago, the Liquor Control Commission began its search to hire a new director for
the department,” said William Gibson, Liquor Control Commission Chair. “Among the 19 applicants
vetted by the Commission, Leo Sandoval truly stood out to the selection committee. After 17 years of
service in law enforcement, including 10 years with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Mr.
Sandoval will begin his new position as director starting June 1.”
“Mahalo to the Liquor Control Commission for its thorough selection process as we welcome
Leo to our County of Kaua‘i team,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “Leo’s extensive experience in law
enforcement and management demonstrates his dedication to public service and his profound ability to
lead our Liquor Control Department with confidence. I look forward to working together in support of
the department and the community.”
Sandoval holds a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, a Bachelor’s in Social Work, and
Associates degrees in Law Enforcement Technology and Applied Sciences in Criminal Justice. He also
holds numerous certifications related to law enforcement, including 20 years as a certified Master Level
Peace Officer in the State of Texas. Sandoval has over 17 years of combined experience in law
enforcement as a former deputy sheriff of the Collingsworth County Sheriff’s Department, senior police
officer and K-9 handler with the Lubbock-Cooper Police Department, and state police investigator and
sergeant of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission where he enforced the state’s liquor laws.
“I am honored to be selected as the new director of Liquor Control and look forward to working
alongside the hardworking, dedicated, and professional men and women of the County of Kaua‘i,” said
Sandoval. “As the director, I plan on sharing my experience and building upon the already established
Liquor Control Department with an overall strategic goal of protecting the public health and safety
though a consistent, fair, and timely administration of the Liquor Laws of the State of Hawai‘i.”
Leo Sandoval
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