HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022_0810 Liquor Open Session-Minutes - APPROVED.pdfCOUNTY OF KAUAI
Minutes of Meeting
OPEN SESSION
N__ Mi2 is
Approved see minutes of 9/28/2022.
Board/Commission:
LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION
Meeting Date
August 10, 2022
Location
Pi'ikoi Building, Suite 300 4444 Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766
Start of Meeting: 1:00 p.m.
End of Meeting: 3:17 p.m.
Present
Chair Dee Crowell, Vice Chair Leland Kahawai. Members: Gerald Matsunaga, Randall Nishimura, Lorna Nishimitsu and Tess
Shimabukuro. Also: Liquor Control Staff: Director Leo Sandoval -Reyes, Assistant Chief Investigator Stacy Iwasaki, Liquor Private
Secretary: Malialani Kelekoma, Boards & Commission Administrator: Ellen Ching, Deputy County Attorney: Charles Foster
Excused
Absent
SUBJECT
DISCUSSION
ACTION
A.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Crowell called meeting to
order @ 1:00 p.m.
B.
ROLL CALL
Director Leo Sandoval -Reyes called roll, noting six members were present constituting a
quorum.
C.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Next Scheduled Meeting: Wednesday August 24th, 2022 — 1:00 p.m. or shortly
thereafter. Details on the meeting will be forthcoming.
D.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Crowell approved agenda as
circulated.
Director Sandoval -Reyes asked if there's anyone in the public who wishes to testify on
this agenda item.
No Public Testimony.
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Summary: Commissioner Shimabukuro asked about the Violation Hearing for Tahiti Nui
and why they were not on the agenda. Director Sandoval -Reyes replied, the
Member/Owner is on Vacation and will return on the 151h. They are scheduled to be on
the August 24th Liquor Commission Meeting.
E.
CONSENT AGENDA
Director Sandoval -Reyes asked if there's anyone in the public who wishes to testify on
No Public Testimony.
this agenda item.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 28, 2022
2. DIRECTORS REPORT: July 21, 2022 —August 3, 2022
3. EMPLOYEES IN LICENSED PREMISES:
Managers and Assistant Managers Red/Blue Card exam list - See Attachment "A"
4. ACTIONS OF THE DIRECTOR:
a. WAIVING OF RIGHTS TO A VIOLATION HEARING:
1. Geffert & Apo LLC. dba Nawiliwili Tavern - 2G-018
2. Lava Lava Too Inc. dba Lava Lava Beach Club - 2G-035
3. Bangkok Happy Bowl Kauai, Inc. dba Bangkok Happy Bowl Bistro - 2G-039
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b. TEMPORARY INCREASE OF PREMISES:
1. SUGAHARA RANCH INC. dba THE DOLPHIN POIPU: Approval of Temporary
Increase of Premises to include their lanai area as a Beer Garden and Wine Bar
per diagram submitted for a Culinary Market to be issued for use on every
Wednesday beginning, August 3rd, through October 26t", 2022, from 3:30 p.m.
To 6:30 p.m. Applicant has met all requirements and clearances obtained with
Department Health, Building Division and Planning Department.
c. REQUEST FOR FREE ONE DAY SPECIAL LICENSE:
1. KAUAI CONCERT ASSOCIATION: Approval of Application No. Free 2023- 03 filed
on July 22, 2022, by Kauai Concert Association for a Free One -Day Special
Motion #1
Dispenser General license on August 14, 2022, at Saint Michael and All Angels
Episcopal Church, 4364 Hardy Street, Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii.
Mr. Nishimura moved to approve
the Consent Agenda with the
d. ALTERATION OF LICENSED PREMISES:
exceptions of item's, E.1 Approval
of Minutes and item E.4.a. Ms.
1. BANGKOK HAPPY BOWL KAUAI INC. dba BANGKOK HAPPY BOWLTHAI BISTRO AND
Nishimitsu seconded the motion.
SUSHI BAR: Application requesting approval of internal alteration of premises was
Motion carried 6:0.
filed on June 8, 2022, by Bangkok Happy Bowl Kauai Inc. dba Bangkok Happy Bowl
Thai Bistro and Sushi Bar, operating under License 2G-039 and located at 2360
Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Ste 10-40, Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii. The request is to
approve the addition of a waitress station without plumbing within the existing
licensed premises inside the covered patio. The alteration was approved on July 29,
2022, with all required documents on file in the department.
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Motion #2
Summary: Commissioner Shimabukuro requested two items to be removed from the
Consent Agenda: E.1 Approval of Minutes and Item E.4. a. Actions of the Director.
Mr. Nishimura moved to approve
Clarification on page 13, first line "the director has made (inaudible). Commissioner
the minutes as amended on page
Nishimitsu responded it should be progress.
13, first line "the director has made
progress". Mr. Kahawai seconded
Summary: Item 4a. Actions of the Director: 1. Nawiliwili Tavern and 2. Lava Lava Beach
the motion. Motion carried 6:0.
Club, not Lava Lave. When reading the Disposition of Violation Hearing I thought it
would be a little clearer on Violation Hearing to "say" that the agent was at the hearing
on the 28t". When reading Rule 3.11 it indicates that the individual can waive the right
Motion #3
to a hearing and admit to the charge prior to the hearing without appearing before the
Commission. Those two individuals were at the Hearing. I just wanted clarification if
Mr. Nishimura moved to approve
that needs to be addressed. Director Sandoval -Reyes replied, in the future the wording
Actions of the Director listed as
should be completely removed, there was no adjudication hearing. No action needed to
agenda Item E. 4. a. 1. Nawiliwili
be taken by the Commission.
Tavern and E.4. a. 2. Lava Lava
Beach Club. Mr. Matsunaga
Summary: Item 4.a. 3. Bangkok Happy Bowl Kauai, Inc. dba Bangkok Happy Bowl Bistro.
seconded the motion. Motion
The same would apply as suggested by the Director.
carried 6:0.
Motion #4
Mr. Nishimura moved to accept the
Actions of the Director for agenda
item E. 4.a. 3. Bangkok Happy Bowl
Kauai Inc. Mr. Kahawai seconded
the motion. Motion carried 6:0.
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ACTION
F.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON ALL AGENDA ITEMS:
Director Sandoval -Reyes asked if there's anyone in the public who wishes to testify on
No Public Testimony.
any item of the agenda.
G.
ADOPTION OF DECISION AND ORDER:
Director Sandoval -Reyes asked if there's anyone in the public who wishes to testify on
No Public Testimony.
this agenda item.
1. ET & WT LLC. dba KENJI BURGER (KAPAA) 2BW-004: Adjudication hearing held, July 14,
2022. (Deferred from 7/28/2022)
Motion #1:
Mr. Nishimura moved to approve
Summary: No one was present to represent ET & WT LLC. dba Kenji Burger (Kapaa).
Adoption of Decision and Order for
Corrections to be made Managing Member name is spelled incorrectly should be
ET & WT LLC. dba Kenji Burger. Mr.
Tanigawa. Decision and Order there should have some clarification, pay within 30 days,
Kahawai seconded the motion.
but there's nothing about what date it's measured from 30 days from the date of this
order or 30 days from the date of the hearing. Director Sandoval -Reyes replied with
what we had done in the past was, whenever the Chair was reviewing it was signed
after. Then we start the 30 days and that would be the date of this order. Commissioner
Motion #2
Nishimura asked was any portion of the previous fine suspended. Commissioner
Nishimitsu replied yes. Commissioner Nishimura asked the $500.00 is for the second
Ms. Nishimitsu moved to adopt the
violation, which was failure to pay on time on the original fine. So, this would be an
Findings of Fact, Conclusions of
addition. Commissioner Nishimitsu responded, following up on Commissioner
Law and Decision and Order for the
Nishimura's questions there was a $200.00 suspension on the original violation. The
licensee dba Kenji Burger as
department has been authorized by amendment to the rules to collect it automatically
modified. Mr. Kahawai seconded
without further action by this Commission, was that collected? Director Sandoval -Reyes
the motion. Motion carried 6:0.
will check.
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Mr. Nishimura withdrew his motion and Mr. Kahawai withdrew his second.
H.
ADJUDICATION HEARINGS:
Director Sandoval -Reyes asked if there's anyone in the public who wishes to testify on
No Public Testimony.
this agenda item.
1. TRU PROTECTION INC. dba JAPANESE GRANDMA'S CAFE: located at 3871
Motion #1:
Hanapepe Road, Hanapepe, Kauai, Hawaii, Violation of Rule 2.6, Renewal of
license.
Mr. Matsunaga moved to fine by
default judgement in the amount
a. Tru Protection Inc. is licensed as a restaurant permitted to sell liquor for
of $600.00. Ms. Nishimitsu
on -premises consumption.
seconded the motion. Motion
b. Tru Protection INC. failed to submit application renewal of license no
carried 6:0.
later than June 30th of each year. On July 7th, 2022, contrary to Rule 2.6
of the Rules and Regulations of the Liquor Control Commission of the
County of Kauai, State of Hawaii.
c. Violation History within 24 months: Warning issued on 9/29/2021, Rule
3.2 Alteration of Premises.
Summary: Commissioner Matsunaga stated for the record the licensee was called three
times by Assistant Chief Investigator Stacy Iwasaki, there was no answer for Keiko
Napier.
2. VIVA KAI LLC. dba KAI BAR COFFEE ROASTERS: located at 2555 Ala Namahana #F,
Kilauea, Kauai, Hawaii, Violation of Rule 2.6, Renewal of license.
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a. Viva Kai LLC. is licensed as a restaurant permitted to sell liquor for on
premises consumption.
b. Viva Kai LLC. failed to submit application renewal of license no later than
June 30th of each year. On July 7th, 2022, contrary to Rule 2.6 of the
Rules and Regulations of the Liquor Control Commission of the County of
Kauai, State of Hawaii.
c. Violation History within 24 months: Violation on 5/28/2021 Rule 7.8,
Manager on Duty ($250 fine with $150 suspended with like kind violation
d. Stipulation),6/8/2021 Rule 7.8, Manager on Duty, ($250 fine), Warning
issued on 3/9/2021, Rule 7.8, Manager on Duty.
Summary: Sean Garcia, Member of Viva Kai LLC. was present. He was not represented
Motion #2:
by Counsel and agreed to tell the whole truth. He received and understood the copy of
the charges. He explained that they were late in filing, didn't know if he received an
Mr. Matsunaga moved that a fine
original notice in the mail and never got it. He was off island for five weeks in Europe. A
of $500.00 be imposed. Mr.
reminder was sent a week before it was due. He was scrambling from Europe to get it
Nishimura seconded the motion.
all together and we got it in a few days late. We were having issues with the Tax
Motion carried 6:0.
Clearance.
3. BAMF LLC. dba BATTERS UP: located at 1639 Haleukana St. Unite 1&2, Lihue,
Kauai, Hawaii, Violation of Rule 7.8, Manager on Duty.
a. BAMF LLC. is licensed as a restaurant permitted to sell liquor for on
premises consumption.
b. On July 8th, 2022, BAMF LLC. Failed to have a person who is not less than
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twenty-one years of age in active charge of any on premises
establishment during the time the establishment is open for business
and licensed to sell or serve liquor.
c. Violation History within 24 months: None
Summary: Trevor Christiansen, Owner of BAMF LLC., Batters Up was present. He was
Motion #3:
not represented by Counsel and solemnly swore to tell the whole truth and nothing but
the truth. He received a copy of the charges and understood the charges. Mr.
Mr. Matsunaga moved that the
Christiansen explained they are still open. I brought some paperwork, if you want to
licensee has denied charges and
look it over, we were waiting to get our health department all squared away, as well as I
that a Contested Case Hearing be
don't want to fall behind on my percentages. So, at the time, we still are open as a
scheduled on September 14, 2022.
batting cage as we've been open two years now, but not the restaurant. Not the bar
Mr. Nishimura seconded the
side at all and there was no liquor, no food in there yet. As I stated, I did not want to get
motion. Motion carried 6:0.
behind on any of my taxation or anything. At the time we worked, the restaurant side
was not open, so we didn't have a Manager on Duty, just someone there to run the
batting cages. Commissioner Matsunaga commented to Chair Crowell that there should
be a contested hearing, he does not admit to the charge. Commissioner Matsunaga
advised Mr. Christensen to bring witnesses and that Inspector Herman be present. The
maximum fine is up to $5,000.
I.
DISCUSSION ON THE PERMITTED INTERACTION GROUP'S RECOMMENDATIONS ON
THE DIRECTOR OF LIQUOR CONTROL'S GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR JULY 1, 2022 —
JUNE 30, 2023 (Deferred from 7/28/2022)
Director Sandoval -Reyes asked if there's anyone in the public who wishes to testify on
No Public Testimony.
this agenda item.
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Ms. Ching commented at the last meeting this item was on the agenda, the
Commissioners wanted to wait to Commissioner Matsunaga was present and to make
sure the Director Sandoval -Reyes, had an opportunity to review the goals and
objectives and to get his feedback.
Director Sandoval -Reyes commented he has a few items in which he would like
feedback on. G1A C. Grants —Seeking External Grants for Educational Purposes. I am not
sure the department can seek out a grant. Director requested to do research on grants
as he has sought out information on grants in the past. He has been told that the grants
he seeks are also being sought out by other departments. For example, Life Choices
have to do with alcohol, he does not want to be competing for a department that is also
a resource for the public already. Equipment Grants is something I can seek out, as far
as Public Safety grants they are also not guaranteed. The Police Department would be
seeking those and does not want to be competing with other departments, this may be
difficult to obtain and does not want this to be held against him if he is unable to get
grants.
Commissioner Nishimitsu responded I don't think the sub -group intended that you
acquire all these grants but to keep options open and to look for means to supplement
funds as you deemed necessary for your departmental operation. I don't see any
mandate to secure the funding.
Director Sandoval -Reyes commented on his concerns regarding item C.A. (i.) Financial
Efficiency and Stability, the weekly budget reports might not be accurate and is not
settled weekly. Quarterly reports might be more feasible, I prefer not to do weekly
budget briefings.
Commissioner Nishimura asked how far in is the county?
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Director Sandoval -Reyes replied it depends, it is hard to get the amounts settled, we
don't know what they are doing in finance. We know what we can expend and request
funds for, what is needed. Ernie or Ken give us accurate reports when they are
settlements are done, I don't think I can ask him for a weekly to be accurate.
Commissioner Nishimura commented, I had the impression you could get real time
reports by going on-line yourselves and that was relayed to us by Michelle. This was
prior to you coming on -board, I do recall her saying that the department has access to
the financial information that you need. I don't know how often they input for your
department. If there is no change, there is no change. I would agree that a weekly basis
is not reasonable but on a monthly basis, you should be aware of what's going on.
Director Sandoval -Reyes commented yes, we have a Staff Assistant that keeps up with
all the finances for me. He is on it for what we have, he tells me if we are falling short
on anything and how to fix it. I don't have a problem, providing the reports, weekly is
going to be a stretch not only for me but I am going to have to assign the work out. I am
going to have the staff do it as I do not have access. With the access I have I don't know
how to do the state system, that does the report.
Commissioner Nishimitsu replied to Director Sandoval -Reyes could you live with a
monthly.
Director Sandoval -Reyes commented monthly would be great.
Vice Chair Kahawai replied we are just following your timeline, that is what you gave us
in your strategic plan a weekly budget briefing and that will probably have to change.
Ms. Ching replied this is not the intent for the Commission to be brief, this was for you
to brief your department and part of your strategic plan.
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Director Sandoval -Reyes commented on we are doing our best on five errors or less, I'll
have to check their work and go over that, which is my job. I might get a spelling wrong
occasionally, on a street name, so I don't want to have five streets misspelled and I get
dinged for five or six street names that are misspelled on that portion. On the minutes
we're working on that report as well. There was one about department morale and
again, that's going to be one that's concerning to me as well. We do have employees
that have a tendency of running directly to Commissioners instead of keeping it in
house or bringing concerns. That's something that shouldn't be happening in my
opinion, if they have a concern, it needs to be dealt within the department and not run
to the Commissioners that's an operational thing that needs to be handled in house. So,
it's hard to increase their morale on any particular employee that is not wanting to deal
with change. So, again I wanted to bring that to your attention on the morale portion,
I'm not sure how to address it. We're doing our best to modernize the department and
some are just not wanting to keep up with the plan. That's all I had on those goals,
everything else might work.
Commissioner Shimabukuro replied I think on that issue, it's incumbent under
Commission to then direct the employee back and follow the Chain of Command. So, it
goes both ways, right? With regard to the errors, I was referring to the packet that we
receive. In my opinion those packets that are produced for the Commission should be
error free. Basically, you are the last set of eyes that goes through pages one through a
thousand to make sure everything is free of errors. But recognizing there are few things
that are missing and that's where the allowances were put in to be as accommodating
as possible. If you are having others prepare reports, you should be able to spot errors
as the reviewer. If you are the author, I would recommend you run it by someone else
to review.
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Commissioner Nishimitsu commented I think part of the concern was we spend the
beginning of a lot of Commission meetings, on making corrections. That's something
that shouldn't take up time at every meeting was my concern.
Commissioner Nishimura commented on the Mission Statement are we looking for a
modified Mission Statement? Or is it in contrast with the Vision Statement.
Director Sandoval -Reyes replied it's a Vision and Mission very different.
Commissioner Nishimura commented it's a really nice statement, do you want a
Mission Statement in addition with the Vision Statement. The other item was page 69
of the packet Goal #1 a. Education, Institute standards including standard operating
procedures and uniform. I think a word is missing, I don't know if it's supposed to be
uniform practices.
Director Sandoval -Reyes replied uniforms.
Commissioner Shimabukuro commented on Commissioner Matsunaga's concern do you
want the wording changed on that one? Online or paper version of the agenda for
Commissioners review? The reason why we had it on there is we wanted that option. I
don't think we intended to say everything is going to go digital.
Commissioner Nishimitsu replied that's the hope of the Director, going forward is
probably going to resurface in the Goals and Objectives, it won't during my lifetime. It is
something that can be checked off as accomplished.
Commissioner Nishimura asked about goal #1 page 16 the desired outcome of
managing the strategic plan by December 31, 2022, is that just for this year or is it going
to be annually or is it intended to be bi-annual.
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Commissioner Shimabukuro replied no, the reason why we said that is because of the
period July 15t to June 30tn
Commissioner Nishimura replied will he provide an update of June 2023? That's the
only thing.
Commissioner Shimabukuro replied I hear what you mean, I guess we were thinking of
updating this strategic plan six months in from the start of this December. This would be
readdressed by the end of this plan period. Essentially it would be an update of the
unfinished items. Do we need to be clearer about that?
Commissioner Nishimitsu replied I am wondering if this is a regularly recurring item
which we could revive too when we feel that it's necessary. Because we feel that
there's no movement forward. Otherwise, every year we're going to have to go through
the same process of creating a new goals and objectives.
Commissioner Nishimura asked what if we were to just ask for an update on the
strategic plan twice a year. So, that you know, based on your knowledge of the
departmental operations you know where we're at. At that point, decide whether any
further action is required.
Commissioner Nishimitsu asked you want the whole strategic plan to be reviewed or
just the goals and objectives that are a component of the strategic plan?
Commissioner Nishimura replied I would imagine you would want at least to address
the overall plan and let the Commission know where he is at. Otherwise in my mind no
need a strategic plan just the goals and objectives.
Commissioner Nishimitsu asked do you want it done on a regular recurring basis.
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Commissioner Nishimura replied yes.
Commissioner Shimabukuro commented I like what you are saying I think the strategic
plan can be reviewed annually. For the goals and objectives, we are asking the new PIG
(Permitted Interaction Group) to incorporate that in a monthly report to the
Commission.
Commissioner Nishimitsu commented we approved the strategic plan through 2026. To
review the strategic plan before it's drop -dead date. I don't know if we want to do that
because then we wouldn't have given it such a long shelf life.
Commissioner Shimabukuro replied that is a really long time.
Commissioner Nishimitsu commented it is four years, it's not that long.
Director Sandoval -Reyes replied it goes really fast.
Commissioner Nishimura commented we should leave it for a year and see what
happens.
Ms. Ching commented since I'm the one that makes the edits so on that desired icon #4
do you want to leave it or change the date. What are we doing?
Commissioner Nishimura replied leave it as is.
Chair Crowell asked if there was anything else and are we going to have an amended
goals and objectives?
Ms. Ching replied to the Commission the only amendment that i heard based on your
discussion was on page 2. b. vi. add an (s) to uniform. I think you can act on this.
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Chair Crowell commented based on the discussion we have a clearer idea of what
should be aligned.
Commissioner Nishimura commented on the morale.
Commissioner Nishimitsu replied that is going to be your cross to bear, as a Director of
any department during your entire tenure.
Commissioner Nishimura commented as you pointed out guys are complaining to the
Commission Members and if we send them back. There is a portion of the evaluation
which does incorporate comments from staff in which you can discern at that level of
what the general idea of what morale is like.
Ms. Ching replied to Chair Crowell do you want me to amend based on your discussion
then see what was clarified, what the Commission is looking for that the Director is
seeking internal grants or external resources to assist. The other one was on page 2.c.a.
i. The Weekly Budget Briefings these are internal, and the expectations is not that the
Director will brief the Commission some of them will come up in a monthly report.
Commissioner Nishimitsu replied if the Director is comfortable with both items as
worded, knowing what the intent was I don't think we would need to amend them. We
are not setting him up for failure in other words.
Chair Crowell commented as long as the intent is recognized whether it is five errors or
less and maybe more exploration being open and maybe zero errors.
Commissioner Nishimitsu replied it's not intended that someone would be counting it's
just something that the Director would have to recognize as something that the
Commission is concerned about, and not having to spend time to make corrections to
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the records provided in the packet. I understand that some of the errors are in the staff
report, which that is how it came to him. Although he could send it back to his staff for
correction we are looking more at the agenda and the minutes.
Ms. Ching commented I think the Commission should be aware of when it comes to
goals and objectives it's linked to the evaluation. You are going to take the goals and
objectives and when it comes time to evaluate, your evaluation tool is that the Director
met it or did not meet it. So, you will need to look at it from that perspective as well
some of these may be aspirational. Some of the goals either he did it or did not do it,
think with facilitating that's a lot more nebulous, but where it says complete. So, you
would need to consider that the wording of this, is critical as it is linked to the
evaluation.
Commissioner Nishimitsu replied since the success measurement or the number of
errors that technically might become a downfall. I'm wondering if the second sentence
of item 1 E could read with, ideally errors will be minimized during this evaluation
period by the following. If that would become more nebulous, or do you think it's still
precise?
Ms. Ching commented I think you need to talk with the members of the PIG (Permitted
Interaction Group) because there was a lot of discussion on it.
Commissioner Nishimitsu commented well, ultimately the Commission adopts them or
doesn't adopt I don't know if it needs to go back to the PIG (Permitted Interaction
Group). Well, you can pick members again.
Commissioner Nishimura replied if we're using this date for the agenda and minutes,
and we use this agenda as a benchmark. When it comes to evaluate, we take the
agenda at the end of the time period and if it wasn't improved you will see it.
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Commissioner Nishimitsu commented today's agenda, minutes did not hit that five
errors marks, so they are below.
Commissioner Nishimura replied correct, they need to improve to that point. Either it's
you get it down to five errors or less or expect to have five less errors by then. There is a
difference. One is an improvement, and one is absolutely and without, with a 100-page
document I would expect at least five errors.
Commissioner Shimabukuro commented I disagree I think we should just have the first
sentence and leave everything else out.
Commissioner Nishimitsu replied it would be the Director shall review all documents
and that would be the end of it. After the first sentence in item 1a. everything else
would be deleted so it's an aspirational thing.
Commissioner Shimabukuro replied eliminate errors.
Commissioner Nishimitsu commented after the first sentence and everything else
would be deleted. So, it is an aspirational thing.
Commissioner Shimabukuro replied in other words in one meeting packet you could
potentially have 25 errors that's how I read it. I know I was on the PIG (Permitted
Interaction Group) I did not read it mathematically that way until right now. It didn't
occur to me when we were discussing this and I apologize for that, I assumed that the
quantitative amounts were for the entire year.
Vice Chair Kahawai replied no, per agenda.
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Commissioner Shimabukuro replied are you providing that reference?
Commissioner Nishimura commented I would agree with Commissioner Shimabukuro
we all recognize the need for improvement, aspirational or otherwise. It is something
we need to improve on I spend way too much time preparing for the meeting. To be
candid I think some of the information listed on the agenda should not even be on the
agenda. It should be included as part of the meeting information. So, that you are
looking at the action that needs to be taken. As opposed to background information
that you are flipping back and forth, it's that kind of things that tables being in different
orientation from the rest of the report. It has to be adjusted so that all takes time away
from the meeting. It is a relatively smaller agenda packet. So, when I had to do it for
some fairly heavy ones with 100 pages that is way too much time, by the time we get
the agendas we have one week to review. I try and review it when I get it and then
come back to it the day before the meeting. It's very discouraging when I get it and
have a hard time navigating, those are more of the type of things for me that are
problematic with the information I have been looking at. In terms of some of the
reports it would be good to be more complete as to what transpired. When you are
jumping back and forth from the information it's all taken away from your focus as to
the content. So, relative to the PIG (Permitted Interaction Group) report, I would agree
with Commissioner Shimabukuro which is, eliminate the error numbers. We all know
what we are looking for and fair or not to the Director if we are going to generate
numbers it may not be something you want us to expect.
Chair Crowell asked is there anything else. Is it 20 per agenda or per year. Is that the
idea?
Commissioner Nishimura replied no, we are taking the numbers out at this point.
Liquor Control Commission
Open Session
August 10, 2022 Page 19
SUBJECT
DISCUSSION
ACTION
Ms. Ching commented the amendments were page 2. b. vi. adding (s) to uniform. Page
Motion:
4. 1.a (delete) Errors will be minimized during this evaluation period by the following: a.
Agendas, 5 errors or less b. Minutes, 5 errors or less c. Reports, 5 errors or less d.
Mr. Kahawai moved to approve the
Information, 5 errors or less to be eliminated.
PIG's (Permitted Interaction Group)
recommendations for the Director
of Liquor Control's goals and
objectives for Fiscal Year July 1,
2022 to June 30, 2023 as amended.
Ms. Nishimitsu seconded the
motion. Motion carried 6:0
J.
DECISION AND DISCUSSION ON FORMING A PERMITTED INTERACTION GROUP TO
REVISE THE DIRECTOR OF LIQUOR CONTROL'S JOB DESCRIPTION (Deferred from
7/28/2022)
Director Sandoval -Reyes asked if there's anyone in the public who wishes to testify on
No Public Testimony.
this agenda item.
Ms. Ching commented HR is requesting to match the Director of Liquor Controls Ad to
the Job Description. In the third paragraph the requirements: must be a citizen of the
United States, must reside in the County of Kauai or be willing to establish residency
and must possess a valid State of Hawaii Motor License. Those are not necessarily in the
job description. The Police Chiefs job description where it clearly sates in the job
description they must reside in minimal qualifications in the County. What is the
Charter language in there which is the minimal qualifications. My question to you is you
can form a PIG (Permitted Interaction Group), or this group can direct me to do XYZ and
then I'll do it. Or you can say that you don't want to move forward on this action.
Commissioner Shimabukuro asked for clarification are you referring to the document
called Department of Personnel Services County of Kauai Chief of Police.
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Open Session
August 10, 2022 Page 20
SUBJECT
DISCUSSION
ACTION
Chair Crowell called for a recess at 2:25 p.m.
Meeting resumed at 2:37 p.m.
Ms. Ching replied if you want to amend the job description to include, willing to
establish residency upon hire and to reside in the County of Kauai into the job
description as recommended.
Commissioner Shimabukuro asked in looking at the job description for the Chief of
Police she asked Director Sandoval -Reyes, are you eligible within your scope to possess
a firearm.
Director Sandoval -Reyes replied I can, but I don't, and the investigators don't.
Commissioner Shimabukuro suggested to add bullets four and five from the Chief of
Police on to the Director of Liquor Control under minimum qualifications.
Chair Crowell asked do we really need to do this.
Commissioner Nishimitsu replied what I heard from the Director of Boards &
Commissions, that we should do it to have the job description consistent with the ad
that was posted and upon which the Director was hired, there's a dichotomy right now.
Chair Crowell asked what's the penalty for not having it in alignment?
Ms. Ching replied I would refer that to HR (Human Resources) this is our
recommendation to the Commission.
Chair Crowell replied one we could change it now or we could change it when we
search for a New Director. There may be things that we may want to revamp the whole
thing. Do we want another PIG (Permitted Interaction Group)?
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Open Session
August 10, 2022 Page 21
SUBJECT
DISCUSSION
ACTION
Commissioner Nishimitsu replied this was a suggestion or direction from the
Commission to incorporate certain requirements contained in the job posting into the
job description. Based on a prior decision of this Commission that the Director could not
reside off island. Then it makes more sense to have the job description consistent with
the action of the Commission and the job posting.
Commissioner Matsunaga commented along that lines the minimum qualifications
requirements if we adopt the Police, we could take one, two, four and five.
Commissioner Nishimitsu replied only one of them was incorporated in the job posting,
it was a possession of a bachelor's degree. That was a preference not a requirement. I
am not comfortable in changing the job description if it puts in a provision that was not
contained in the job posting as agreed. I am comfortable with putting a requirement of
the job posting in a revised job description.
Commissioner Shimabukuro replied that is why I was suggesting that we only add two
four and five.
Chair Crowell commented the problem is the job posting not in the job description.
Commissioner Nishimitsu replied that is what they said if we already made the decision,
and the Director has to be a resident of this County then we should make the job
description match the action of the Commission and the job posting.
Commissioner Nishimura replied I would say that we do that at the time of the next hire
is my perspective. In going out to hire someone it was clear that we wanted someone to
reside on island and that was the basis of the whole and acceptance. I don't think it's
necessary to change that at this point in time. But it may be something we may want to
revisit.
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Open Session
August 10, 2022 Page 22
SUBJECT
DISCUSSION
ACTION
Commissioner Shimabukuro replied maybe I'm unclear I wasn't here when this
happened, clearly, but if that was a requirement on the posting, so no harm, no foul,
right? If we add that to the job description because we're not adding an additional
condition. All we are doing is aligning the job description with the posting. This is just
for clarity, am I missing something.
Commissioner Nishimitsu commented maybe I'm missing the same thing.
Commissioner Shimabukuro commented I was bouncing off the recommendation of HR
(Human Resources).
Mr. Foster commented from a legal point of view what I am hearing and the way I
would interpret is what was in the notice. Anyone hired based on that notice you have
those requirements. I heard Commissioner Nishimitsu say her preference would be to
change the description to fit the notice and that makes legal sense to me, because we
don't have a problem with a hiree saying wait a minute you know your changing the
rules of the game midstream. Because the rules of the game are contained in the
notice, correct? That was, arguably, was the Commission's preference and what the
hiring was based on. So, I hear, Commissioner Nishimitsu saying she would rather
change the job description to fit the notice. I agree with that from a legal perspective
because the notice was out there, notice was given. Doing it the other way I think would
be more problematic. I don't think it would be illegal or anything but a little more,
under certain situations. Something you have to deal with later, I agree with the
Director I don't think any of this from a legal perspective is necessary legal. However,
HR (Human Resources) seems to, and I wasn't here for that either, I was on vacation at
that time. It sounds like their best practices opinion.
Commissioner Nishimitsu replied it was contained in a memo, not verbal.
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Open Session
August 10, 2022 Page 23
SUBJECT
DISCUSSION
ACTION
Chair Crowell replied do we have to include a residency requirement in the job
Motion:
description is that all we have to do?
Ms. Nishimitsu moved that we
Ms. Ching replied, the discussion I heard was to include bullet two, four and five.
direct the modification of the job
posting of the Director of Liquor
Chair Crowell commented this is the problem I have; this is now getting you to do a full
Control to include all of those
review on the job description which takes quite a bit of effort.
provisions contained in the job
description, which begins with the
Ms. Ching replied you can just do bullet five, which is residence for me if you're going to
Director must be a citizen of the
do a whole review of the job description, then you need to form a PIG (Permitted
United States, reside in the County
Interaction Group) because that's got to be coming from you. If it's merely to take two,
of Kauai or be willing to establish
four and five bullets and stick it in the minimum qualification requirement that's not a
residency upon hire, and possess a
problem.
valid State of Hawaii Motor Vehicle
Operators license as those were
Commissioner Shimabukuro asked Commissioner Nishimitsu if she had the memo from
the pre -conditions of the position.
HR (Human Resources) available.
Mr. Matsunaga seconded the
motion. Motion did not pass.
Commissioner Nishimitsu replied I don't have that, the job posting also requires if it is a
problem having a valid State of Hawaii Driver's License which is item two under the
Roll call vote:
Chief Police requirement so that is consistent with the job posting. Those two items
Mr. Matsunaga —Aye
would be fair to incorporate.
Ms. Shimabukuro —Aye
Ms. Nishimitsu —Aye
Mr. Nishimura —No
Ms. Ching commented bullets two, four and five are all in the posting. It is not different
Mr. Kahawai — No
adding it is not in the job description. I just want to make a correction Commissioner
Mr. Crowell — No
Nishimura said job description should be job posting.
Liquor Control Commission
Open Session
August 10, 2022 Page 24
SUBJECT
DISCUSSION
ACTION
K.
DECISION AND DISCUSSION ON FORMING A PERMITTED INTERACTION GROUP TO
CREATE A MONTHLY REPORTING FORMAT FOR THE DIRECTOR OF LIQUOR CONTROL
(Deferred from 7/28/2022)
Director Sandoval -Reyes asked if there's anyone in the public who wishes to testify on
No Public Testimony.
this agenda item.
Motion #1:
Ms. Ching stated in your goals and objectives that we just adopted, there is reference to
a monthly report. We need to have a monthly report format an example was sent. Most
Mr. Nishimura moved to form a
of the department heads do the reports that the Commissions will get. It will be based
PIG (Permitted Interaction Group)
on the divisions within the department. For example, the Fire Chief, has ocean safety
to create a monthly Reporting
training. Basically, you will get a one -page report from each Bureau to include an
Format for the Director of Liquor
administrative report on his progress on the goals. Liquor has two departments
Control. Mr. Kahawai seconded the
Investigation and Administrative so you would get one page from both departments as
motion. Motion carried 6:0.
well as the goals and objectives.
Motion #2
Ms. Nishimitsu moved that Mr.
Nishimura, Ms. Shimabukuro and
Mr. Kahawai on the PIG (Permitted
Interaction Group) and that their
task is to create a monthly
reporting format for the Director of
Liquor Control. Mr. Matsunaga
seconded the motion. Motion
carried 6:0.
Liquor Control Commission
Open Session
August 10, 2022 Page 25
SUBJECT
DISCUSSION
ACTION
L.
DISCUSSION AND DECISION -MAKING ON ESTABLISHING A PERMITTED INTERACTION
GROUP TO WRITE THE DIRECTOR'S CONSOLIDATED JOB PERFORMANCE EVALUATION,
SELECT THREE MEMBERS OR LESS TO SERVE ON THE GROUP AND TO DETERMINE THE
SCOPE OF THE PERMITTED INTERACTION GROUP.
Director Sandoval -Reyes asked if there's anyone in the public who wishes to testify on
No Public Testimony.
this agenda item.
Chair Crowell selected Commissioner Nishimitsu, Commissioner Matsunaga and
Commissioner Nishimura.
Motion #1
Ms. Ching sent the evaluation form and I just want to let you know that I'm going to be
Mr. Nishimura moved to establish
emailing you the form and asking you to fill it up. Once you fill it out I'm going to collate
a PIG (Permitted Interaction
it together. Once it's collated, I will draft the consolidated report and convene the PIG
Group) to write the Director's
(Permitted Interaction Group) to make amendments to the consolidated report.
consolidated job performance
evaluation and Chair Crowell to
designate three members to serve
on the group. Mr. Kahawai
seconded the motion. Motion
passed 6:0.
M.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
No Executive Session
Pursuant to HRS §92-4, §92-5(a)(4), §92-9(a)(1-4) and (b), the purpose of this Executive Session
is for Commission to approve or amend the Executive Session Minutes, and to consult with its
attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the Commission's powers, duties, privileges,
immunities, and liabilities as they may relate to this item.
Liquor Control Commission
Open Session
August 10, 2022
Page 26
SUBJECT
DISCUSSION
ACTION
R.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion:
Ms. Nishimitsu moved to adjourn
meeting @ 3:17 p.m. Mr. Kahawai
seconded the motion. Motion
carried 6:0.
Submitted by:
Malialani Kelekoma, Private Secretary
(X) Approved as circulated.
( ) Approved with amendments. See meeting.
Reviewed and Approved by:
Leo Sandoval -Reyes, Director of Liquor Control