HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2487
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to liquor.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  (a)  The counties shall take necessary steps to adopt by January 1, 2016, standardized rules between the counties for the regulation of liquor pursuant to chapter 281, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (b)  There is established a working group to facilitate a coordinated effort among the counties in the development of standardized rules for the regulation of liquor pursuant to chapter 281, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Areas for which standardization is to be considered and developed include:

     (1)  Applications and other necessary forms and the availability of all forms online;

     (2)  Licensing procedures, including:

         (A)  Expedited renewal procedures for prior-approved licensees; and

         (B)  Reciprocity of licensing across all counties;

     (3)  Systems utilized for background checks;

     (4)  Penalties and fines;

     (5)  Licensing and other fees, including the methodology of the calculation of such fees;

     (6)  Rules governing special events, including the permitting of product samplings and tasting in all counties; and

     (7)  Liquor retail and storage requirements.

     (c)  The working group shall be composed of:

     (1)  The mayor of each county or the mayor's designee; and

     (2)  The chairperson of each county's liquor commission or the chairperson's designee.

     (d)  The working group shall submit a written report of its findings and the proposed standardized rules, as well as any proposed legislation, if any, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2015.

     (e)  The working group shall terminate on July 1, 2015.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $50,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for the funding of the functions of the working group established under this Act.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of commerce and consumer affairs for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2014.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Liquor Commission

Description:

Establishes a statewide inter-county liquor commission working group for the purpose of creating standardized liquor regulation rules.  Appropriation.  Effective July 1, 2014.

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