STAND. COM. REP. NO. 755

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 470

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 470 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LIQUOR,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to make various administrative and technical amendments to the liquor license and liquor tax laws.

     Specifically, it:

     (1)  Adds personal delivery to the service options for a notification of hearing;

     (2)  Enables the liquor control departments to extend relief to licensees who cannot obtain a tax clearance prior to license renewal or transfer;

     (3)  Expands the use of fine moneys to include public liquor-related educational or enforcement programs, subject to a quantified annual limit;

     (4)  Clarifies procedures relating to liquor license transfers, to more accurately reflect modern business enterprise organization;

     (5)  Extends the time within which a liquor commission may grant or refuse a liquor license application following public hearing; and

     (6)  Amends other provisions for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by Hard Rock Cafe, REI Food Service, Sergio's LLC, and Tiki's Bar and Grill.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Your Committee finds that this measure is the result of a comprehensive review of chapter 281, Hawaii Revised Statutes, conducted by the four county liquor control departments, including their commissions and adjudication boards, and in cooperation with industry representatives.  As such, it will provide clarity and consistency for both businesses and the entities charged with regulating liquor licensing in the State.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 470 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair