Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutFY 2027 (Department of Liquor Control)` DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL FY 2027 BUDGET AND OPERATIONS SYNOPSIS Gerald T. Rapozo Director 1 Department: LIQUOR Fund: LIQUOR FUND 1. FY 2026 to FY 2027 BUDGET COMPARSION 2 2. MAJOR CHANGES AND/OR VARIANCES IN OPERATIONS BUDGET During the previous fiscal year, our department’s operating budget has remained steady, with no major changes. Any variances we’ve seen are personnel in nature — primarily related to salaries and wages. Overall, we continue to manage our resources responsibly while maintaining strong regulatory oversight and upholding our public safety responsibilities. 3. OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES Our department in the last fiscal year has continued to maintain sufficient staffing levels to meet daily operational needs and ensure uninterrupted service for our licensees and the public. Despite existing vacancies, we have been able to effectively manage workloads and maintain regulatory oversight without disruption to core functions. Recruitment efforts for the vacant Investigator Trainee positions remain ongoing and active. We have identified several qualified applicants and have completed interviews as part of the selection process. We remain hopeful that these efforts will result in successfully filling the positions and strengthening our enforcement capacity. However, the recruitment process requires careful evaluation to ensure candidates meet the standards necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the role. In the interim, our current investigator has stepped up to assume additional inspections and investigative assignments. These responsibilities ensure continued compliance with state liquor laws and the rules and regulations of the Liquor Control Commission. While this approach requires added effort from existing staff, it allows the department to maintain consistent enforcement, uphold public safety standards, and provide reliable regulatory oversight during this transition period. 4. OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM FY 2026 Last fiscal year, the Department made real, steady progress. We stayed focused on improving how we operate and how we serve our licensees and the public. One of the biggest steps forward was continuing to streamline our licensing process through our online portal. More applicants are now starting their liquor license applications online and paying their fees electronically, which is a faster, more convenient process overall. It’s made things easier for applicants and more efficient for our staff. We continue to offer our in-person exams for licensee Blue and Red Card managers. This allows managers to complete their required certification in a consistent and convenient method while educating their responsibilities under the Hawaii Revised Statues and Commission Rule. It strengthens compliance and helps set clear expectations across the industry. For the gross sales reporting at the end of June 30, 2025, licensees in all classes combined for $173,810,773 in liquor sales and distribution. That number reflects sturdy economic activity on our island. It also reflects the hard work of our staff, who processed licenses, permits, renewals, and special licenses in accordance with the Liquor Control Commission Rules and Regulations, along with the Hawaii Revised Statutes.