Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-73 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-73
Quality of liquor; penalty.
Status: in_force

No liquor at any time manufactured or sold in the State shall be other than of a pure quality, according to any applicable legal standard therefor under the laws of the United States, unadulterated with any mixture of noxious, deleterious, or poisonous substance.

Any person who manufactures or sells any liquor of a quality or character contrary to this section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished as in section 281-102 provided. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §39; RL 1935, §2608; RL 1945, §7261; RL 1955, §159-72; HRS §281-73]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-72 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-72
Condition of premises.
Status: in_force

All premises licensed or proposed to be licensed shall be constructed, arranged, furnished, equipped, maintained, and operated in such manner as may be prescribed by the liquor commission. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §38; RL 1935, §2607; RL 1945, §7260; RL 1955, §159-71; HRS §281-72]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-15 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-15
Reports, accounts, audit.
Status: in_force

On or before September 30 of each year the chairperson of the liquor commission shall submit to the elected executive head of the county a full report upon the business and operations of the commission during the preceding year, which year shall be coterminous with the fiscal year of the county, with such other matters of information and comment as the elected executive head may deem appropriate. The elected executive head shall furnish copies thereof to the legislative body of the county and to the fiscal officer of the county.

The accounts of the commissions for the several counties shall be regularly examined by the fiscal officer who shall report thereon in writing to the legislative body of the several counties. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §7; RL 1935, §2576; RL 1945, §7227; RL 1955, §159-14; am L 1963, c 172, §2(c); am L 1967, c 171, §1; HRS §281-15; gen ch 1993]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-96 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-96
Cancellation.
Status: in_force

If the use of the premises covered by any license becomes lost to the licensee by reason of being sold under foreclosure proceedings, or a civil execution, or other legal process, or for any other cause, which shall force a cessation of the business of the licensee thereon under the license (other than by a revocation or suspension of the licensee's license), the liquor commission may cancel or suspend the license unless the liquor commission has approved the safekeeping of the license pursuant to section 281-41(j). [L Sp 1933, c 40, §59; RL 1935, §2628; RL 1945, §7280; RL 1955, §159-95; HRS §281-96; am L 1976, c 87, §7; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 171, §30; am L 2017, c 184, §6]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-101.4 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-101.4
Hearing, illegal manufacture, importation, or sale of liquor.
Status: in_force

The liquor commission or liquor control adjudication board may assess and collect a penalty, or reprimand a person for not having a valid license to manufacture or sell any liquor in violation of this chapter or of any rule or regulation applicable thereto.

In every case where the administrator elects to conduct proceedings under this section where it is proposed to assess and collect a penalty from a person for not having a valid license to manufacture or sell any liquor in violation of this chapter or of any rule or regulation applicable thereto, that person shall be entitled to notice and hearing in conformity with chapter 91.

At the hearing, before final action is taken by the commission or board, the person shall be entitled to be heard in person or through counsel and shall be given a full and fair opportunity to present facts showing that the alleged cause or causes for the proposed action do not exist, or any reason why no penalty should be imposed. The testimony taken at the hearing shall be under oath and recorded stenographically, or by machine, but the parties shall not be bound by the strict rules of evidence; certified copies of any transcript and of any other record made of or at the hearing shall be furnished to a person upon that person's request and at that person's expense.

Any order, reprimand, or penalty imposed by the commission or board upon a person for not having a valid license to manufacture or sell any liquor in violation of this chapter or of any rule or regulation applicable thereto shall be in addition to any penalty that might be imposed upon that person's conviction in a court of law for any violation of this chapter. The amount of penalty assessed and collected by the commission or board from any person under this section for not having a valid license to manufacture or sell any liquor shall not exceed the sum of $2,000 for each charge.

Whenever the service of any order or notice shall be required by this section, the service shall be made in the following manner: in the case of any violation based upon the personal observation of any investigator, a written notice of the violation shall be given to the person charged with a violation within a reasonable period of time after the alleged violation occurred, the person charged shall be requested to acknowledge receipt of the alleged violation, or, if the person cannot be found after diligent search, by leaving a certified copy thereof at the person's dwelling house or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion residing therein; and if the person cannot be found after diligent search, and service cannot be made, then service may be made by depositing another certified copy thereof in the certified mail of the United States post office, postage prepaid, addressed to the person at the person's last known residence address; provided, that in the case of a partnership, corporation, unincorporated association, or limited liability company, service may be made upon any partner, officer, or member thereof. [L 1990, c 171, §39; am L 1998, c 90, §6 and c 249, §16]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-78.5 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-78.5
Practices to promote excessive consumption of liquor; prohibited.
Status: in_force

(a) No person licensed to sell liquor for consumption on the premises shall engage in practices which promote excessive consumption of liquor.

(b) The liquor commission shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to prohibit specific liquor promotion practices which promote excessive consumption of liquor; provided that any rules adopted by the counties related to the stacking of liquor shall specify that:

(1) Stacking of beer shall be defined based on a standard serving size of total volume; and

(2) A standard serving size of beer shall be defined as not exceeding a total volume of thirty-two ounces before a customer at any one time.

(c) Any person who violates this section or any rule adopted by the commission pursuant to this chapter shall be guilty of a violation for each separate offense. Each date of violation shall constitute a separate offense. [L 1987, c 137, §1; am L 2019, c 226, §3]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-2 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-2
Excepted articles; penalty.
Status: in_force

The articles enumerated in this section shall not, after having been manufactured and prepared for the market, be subject to this chapter if they correspond with the following descriptions and limitations, namely:

(1) Denatured alcohol or denatured rum produced and used as provided by laws and regulations now or hereinafter in force;

(2) Medicinal preparations manufactured in accordance with formulas prescribed by The Pharmacopoeia of the United States of America or The National Formulary that are unfit for use for beverage purposes;

(3) Patented, patent and proprietary medicines that are unfit for use for beverage purposes;

(4) Toilet, medicinal, and antiseptic preparations and solutions, that are unfit for use for beverage purposes;

(5) Flavoring extracts and syrups that are unfit for use as a beverage or for intoxicating beverage purposes;

(6) Vinegar and preserved sweet cider;

(7) A food which is a confectionery and contains alcohol of five per cent or less by weight.

Any person who manufactures any of the articles mentioned in this section may purchase and possess alcohol for that purpose, but the person shall not sell, use, or dispose of any alcohol otherwise than as an ingredient of the articles authorized to be manufactured therefrom. No more alcohol shall be used in the manufacture of any extract, syrup, or article named in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this section which may be used for beverage purposes than the quantity necessary for extraction or solution of the elements contained therein and for the preservation thereof.

Any person who knowingly sells any of the articles mentioned in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) of this section for beverage purposes or any extract or syrup for intoxicating beverage purposes or who sells any of the same under circumstances from which the seller might reasonably deduce the intention of the purchaser to use them for such purposes shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as provided in section 281-102.

Whenever it is believed that any article mentioned in this section does not correspond with the descriptions and limitations herein provided, the liquor commission or any inspector or any prosecuting officer may cause an analysis thereof to be made, and if, upon such analysis, it is found that the article does not so correspond, the person who manufactures or sells the same may be prosecuted as a manufacturer or seller of liquor contrary to this chapter. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §74; RL 1935, §2642; RL 1945, §7294; RL 1955, §159-2; HRS §281-2; am L 1972, c 177, §1; gen ch 1985; am L 1988, c 402, §4]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-75 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-75
Analyses.
Status: in_force

Whenever the liquor commission or investigator thereof has reason to believe or suspect, on complaint or otherwise, that any liquor being manufactured or which is possessed or kept for sale by any licensee is or may be impure or adulterated or otherwise not conformable to any lawful requirement, the commission or investigator thereof or other person authorized in writing by the commission or by the investigator may secure a sample thereof for analysis. Upon such sample being obtained, as though by ostensible purchase or otherwise, the person procuring the same shall immediately disclose to the licensee the person's office or authority and purpose, and in case the procurer is a person other than the commission or the investigator the procurer shall then deliver to the licensee a copy of the written order for the procurement of the sample. The bottle or other container containing the sample shall then and there be sealed by the procurer thereof before being taken from the premises of the licensee and the licensee may also attach the licensee's seal thereto.

The investigator shall cause the sample so obtained to be immediately delivered with the seal or seals unbroken to the state department of health or some competent analyst employed by the commission who shall make an analysis of the liquor and shall send a certified report thereof to the investigator, who shall immediately file the same with the commission's administrator.

If the sample analyzed is found pure and unadulterated and conformable with all legal requirements for such liquor, the certificate referred to in the preceding paragraph shall so state, and the commission shall pay to the licensee a sum equal to the value of the sample, and if requested by the licensee the administrator shall furnish the licensee a copy of the analysis.

If the certificate of analysis shows the sample to be impure or adulterated or contrary to any legal requirement the licensee shall be prosecuted for selling, or offering for sale, or furnishing forbidden liquor in violation of this chapter. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §41; RL 1935, §2610; RL 1945, §7263; RL 1955, §159-74; am L Sp 1959 2d, c 1, §19; HRS §281-75; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 171, §22]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-44 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-44
Advertisements and signs upon licensed premises.
Status: in_force

(a) All licensed premises shall post a sign in or about the premises containing and notifying all customers and other persons of the possible sanctions that may be imposed for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant under sections 291E-41 and 291E-61. The sign shall be conspicuously positioned in order to be seen by an ordinarily observant person.

(b) The liquor commission may prescribe the character and extent of all other advertisements, posters, or signs which may be posted or maintained in or about the licensed premises. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §25; RL 1935, §2594; am L 1937, c 211, §13; RL 1945, §7246; am L 1949, c 301, §1(e); RL 1955, §159-44; HRS §281-44; am L 1977, c 121, §1; am L 1984, c 143, §1; am L 2001, c 157, §5]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-39.5 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-39.5
Liquor license prohibited; where.
Status: in_force

(a) The liquor commission or agency of each county may deny or restrict the issuance of a liquor license for on-site sale and consumption by the drink to any applicant whose establishment is or would be located within five hundred feet of a public or private elementary, intermediate, or high school, or public playground utilized extensively by minors, as determined by the liquor commission of each county; provided that the liquor commission or agency of each county shall deny the issuance of a liquor license if forty per cent of the:

(1) Registered voters for the area within five hundred feet of the nearest point of the premises for which the license is asked; or

(2) Owners and lessees of record of real estate and owners of record of shares in a cooperative apartment within five hundred feet of the nearest point of the premises for which the license is asked;

have duly filed or caused to be filed their protests against granting the license. The distance of five hundred feet shall be measured from the boundary of the school or public playground to the boundary of the applicant's premises. Public or private beaches, and public or private day care centers located in or adjacent to commercial areas shall not be deemed schools or public playgrounds for purposes of this section. The provisions of this section shall not apply to establishments located within areas designated by the appropriate counties for resort purposes, or to hotel or condominium hotel liquor license applicants.

(b) This section shall apply only to the issuance of new liquor licenses for on-site sale and consumption by the drink and not to any renewal of such licenses. [L 1991, c 236, §2; am L 2001, c 257, §3; am L 2007, c 53, §5]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-4 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-4
Liquor consumption on unlicensed premises prohibited, when.
Status: in_force

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person who keeps or maintains any restaurant or other premises where food, beverages, or entertainment are provided or brought in by patrons or guests, whether for compensation or not, or to which members of the public or members of an organization resort for food, refreshment, or entertainment and who is not a licensee of the commission under this chapter, to promote, encourage, aid, or permit the consumption of liquor on the premises, except during the hours between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. Any premises that desires to operate after 12:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. shall obtain a class 17 liquor license under section 281-31(q), and shall be subject to the requirements of this chapter and the rules adopted by the liquor commission of the county in which the premises are located during all hours of operation, except as otherwise provided by law.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person who is present at any restaurant or other premises where food, beverages, or entertainment are sold, provided, or brought in by patrons or guests, or to which members of the public, or members of an organization, resort for food, refreshment, or entertainment, and which premises are not licensed by the commission under this chapter, to consume any liquor on the premises, except during the hours between which licensed premises of dispensers are permitted to be open for the transaction of business in the county where the premises are located.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person who keeps or maintains any restaurant or other premises where food, beverages, or entertainment are provided, or brought in by patrons or guests, whether compensated or not, to sell or provide or allow the consumption of liquor to or for any of the following persons knowing that such person has, or is about to obtain, liquor for consumption by the person on the premises, to wit:

(1) Any minor;

(2) Any person at the time under the influence of liquor;

(3) Any disorderly person;

(4) Any person known to be addicted to the excessive use of liquor; or

(5) Any person, for consumption in any vehicle on the premises;

provided that the providing of liquor to or for a minor who has or is about to obtain liquor for consumption by the minor on the premises or allowing the consumption of liquor by a minor shall not be deemed to be a violation of this subsection if, at the time, the person providing or allowing the consumption of liquor was misled by the appearance of the minor and the attending circumstances into honestly believing that such minor was of legal age and the person acted in good faith, and it shall be incumbent upon the person to prove that the person so acted in good faith.

(d) Within the meaning of this section, the word "premises" includes any vessel as well as any place, with or without a structure thereon, and the hours between which licensed premises of dispensers are permitted to be open for the transaction of business shall be deemed to be those during which such dispensers are permitted to keep open their premises for the sale, service, and consumption of liquor, or any of them. [L 1949, c 147, §1; RL 1955, §159-4; HRS §281-4; am L 1972, c 177, §2; gen ch 1985; am L 2008, c 168, §2; am L 2010, c 198, §1]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-39 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-39
Place of business; exception; solicitors' and representatives' permits.
Status: in_force

(a) A license issued under this chapter shall authorize the doing of the business licensed only at the place described in the license, which shall be known as the licensed premises, except:

(1) In case of a removal with the prior written consent of the liquor commission indorsed on the license, or outside warehousing which may be located off the licensed premises with prior written consent of the liquor commission;

(2) That the units that are used to provide transient lodging under a class 15 license may change from time to time; provided that the condominium hotel operator shall submit quarterly to the commission the list of units being utilized as part of the condominium hotel and maintain a current list pursuant to section 281-35.5 at a condominium hotel for inspection by any authorized employee of the commission; and

(3) Any provision to the contrary notwithstanding, that a licensee holding a class 4 retail dealer license may deliver a customer's purchased liquor to the customer's vehicle located at a nearby curbside or other designated location.

(b) Except for a condominium hotel operator under a class 15 license, no change of premises under any issued license shall be allowed unless the doing of business on the new premises is authorized in the same manner as provided by this chapter for approval of any original premises; provided that the holder of any manufacturer's license or a wholesale dealer's license issued by the commission of any county may, through authorized solicitors or representatives, solicit and take orders for direct shipment of liquor in permitted quantities in any other county.

(c) Any person desiring to act as the authorized solicitor or representative of a manufacturer or wholesale dealer in any county shall make application to the commission of such county in which the person proposes to act for a permit to act as such.

(d) The application shall state the name of the applicant, the applicant's age, residence, and place of business, the name and address of the manufacturer or wholesale dealer the applicant represents and shall be accompanied by a statement from the manufacturer or wholesale dealer to the effect that the applicant has been appointed as its solicitor or representative. All sales and all orders taken for liquor by any such solicitor or representative shall be subject to the rules and regulations of the commission for the county within which the sales are made or orders taken. No solicitor or representative shall be permitted to have, own, or control any liquor for sale. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §21; RL 1935, §2590; am L 1939, c 205, pt of §1; RL 1945, §7242; RL 1955, §159-39; am L 1957, c 321, §1(c); am L 1965, c 31, §1(5); HRS §281-39; am L 1969, c 225, §1(c); am L 1972, c 177, §4; am L 1979, c 4, §1; gen ch 1985; am L 2007, c 53, §4; am L 2008, c 168, §8; am L 2023, c 65, §2]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-33.6 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-33.6
Direct shipment of wine by wineries.
Status: in_force

(a) Any person holding:

(1) A general excise tax license from the department of taxation; and

(2) Either:

(A) A class 1, class 16, or class 18 license to manufacture wine under section 281-31; or

(B) A license to manufacture wine issued by another state,

may pay any applicable fees and obtain a direct wine shipper permit from the liquor commission of the county to which the wine will be shipped authorizing the holder to directly ship wine to persons in the county pursuant to this section.

(b) The holder of a direct wine shipper permit may sell and annually ship to any person twenty-one years of age or older in the county that issued the permit, no more than six nine-liter cases of wine per household for personal use only and not for resale, and shall:

(1) Ship wine directly to the person only in containers that are conspicuously labeled with the words:

"CONTAINS ALCOHOL: SIGNATURE OF PERSON AGE 21 YEARS OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY.";

(2) Require that the carrier of the shipment obtain the signature of any person twenty-one years of age or older before delivering the shipment;

(3) Report no later than January 31 of each year to the liquor commission in each county where a direct wine shipper permit is held, the total amount of wine shipped to persons in the county during the preceding calendar year;

(4) Pay all applicable general excise and gallonage taxes. For gallonage tax purposes, all wine sold under a direct wine shipper permit shall be deemed to be wine sold in the State; and

(5) Be subject to audit by the liquor commission of each county in which a permit is held.

(c) The holder of a license to manufacture wine issued by another state may annually renew a direct wine shipper permit by providing the liquor commission that issued the permit with a copy of the license and paying all required fees. The holder of a class 1, class 16, or class 18 license to manufacture wine under section 281-31 may renew a direct wine shipper permit concurrently with the class 1 license by complying with all applicable laws and paying all required fees.

(d) The sale and shipment of wine directly to a person in this State by a person that does not possess a valid direct wine shipper permit is prohibited. Knowingly violating this law is a misdemeanor.

(e) The liquor [commission] in each county may adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out the intent and purpose of this section. [L 2006, c 227, §1; am L 2008, c 163, §2; am L 2014, c 211, §4]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-20 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-20
General right of inspection.
Status: in_force

Any investigator may, at all times, without notice and without any search warrant or other legal process, visit and have immediate access to every part of the premises of every licensee for the purpose of making any examination or inspection thereof or inquiry into the books and records therein, to ascertain whether all of the conditions of the license and all provisions of this chapter are being complied with by the licensee. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §10; RL 1935, §2579; RL 1945, §7230; RL 1955, §159-19; HRS §281-20; am L 1986, c 344, §14; am L 1990, c 171, §7; am L 2022, c 76, §5]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-85 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-85
Prize, gift, premium, and other inducement.
Status: in_force

(a) Unless otherwise provided by this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to offer or to provide any intoxicating liquor as a prize or inducement at any public amusement, public gathering or place open to the public.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person acting as agent or representative of a nonresident principal or for any licensee directly or indirectly, or through any subsidiary or affiliate, to give any premium or free goods of intoxicating liquor or other merchandise in connection with the sale of any intoxicating liquor; or to offer or to provide any premium or free goods of intoxicating liquor in connection with the sale of other merchandise.

(c) No retail dealer and no licensee who is authorized to sell liquor for consumption on the licensee's premises shall solicit or accept, either directly or indirectly, a premium or free goods of any nature in connection with the retail dealer's or licensee's purchase of liquor from a manufacturer or wholesale dealer. [L 1937, c 211, §20; RL 1945, §7274; am L 1951, c 223, §1(11); RL 1955, §159-84; HRS §281-85; am L 1971, c 122, §1; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 171, §28; am L 2009, c 184, §11]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-110 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-110
Arrest; abetters.
Status: in_force

The owner, keeper, and any person having the custody of any liquor or property seized as provided in sections 281-108 and 281-109 shall be forthwith arrested without necessity of warrant and brought before the judge having jurisdiction in the premises. If the owner or keeper of the liquor seized is unknown to the investigator or police officer making the seizure, or if no person is found in the apparent possession or custody of the same, the investigator or police officer may arrest and bring before the court the owner or occupant of the building, place, or premises, or the driver, operator, or other person in charge of the conveyance in which the liquor is found, if such person is known or can be ascertained. Any person who has knowingly engaged in, aided, assisted, or abetted the manufacture, obtaining, keeping, or sale of such liquor contrary to law, or has been privy thereto, or has knowingly permitted the use of any place, building, premises, or conveyance for such unlawful purpose, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and be punished as provided in section 281-102. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §69; RL 1935, §2637; RL 1945, §7289; RL 1955, §159-107; HRS §281-110; am L 1970, c 188, §39; am L 1990, c 171, §37]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-41 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-41
Transfer of licenses; notice of change in officers, directors, and stockholders of corporate licenses, partners of a partnership license, and members 
Status: in_force

§281-41 Transfer of licenses; notice of change in officers, directors, and stockholders of corporate licenses, partners of a partnership license, and members or managers of a limited liability company license; penalty. (a) No license issued under this chapter to an original applicant or to any transferee shall be transferable or be transferred within one year of the issuance or transfer, except for good cause shown to the satisfaction of the liquor commission. A transfer of license shall be for the same class, kind, and category of license. No license issued under this chapter shall be transferable or be transferred except upon written application to the commission by the proposed transferee, and after prior inspection of the premises, reference to, and report by an inspector, and a public hearing held by the commission not less than fourteen days after one publication of notice thereof, but without sending notice of the hearing by mail to persons being the owners or lessees of real estate situated within the vicinity of the premises and without the right to the owners or lessees to protest the transfer of a license. Exceptions are class 5 and 11 licensees who shall comply with the requirements as set forth in sections 281-57 to 281-60. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, a class 2 license shall be transferrable; provided that the transferee certifies that the transferee intends to and shall derive no less than thirty per cent of the establishment's gross revenue from the sale of foods.

(b) A county may increase the requirements for transfers of class 5, category (1)(B) and (D), and class 11 licenses by ordinance designating one or more areas within the county as special liquor districts and specifying the requirements applicable to transfers of any of these licenses within each district.

(c) For the purpose of this section, "special liquor district" means an area designated by a county for restoration, reservation, historic preservation, redevelopment, rejuvenation, or residential protection, in which development is guided to protect or enhance the physical and visual aspects of the area for the benefit of the community as a whole.

(d) Where a license is held by a partnership, the commission may, notwithstanding any other provision of this section, approve the transfer of the partnership interest, without publication of notice at a public hearing, to any remaining partner or partners, upon the death or withdrawal of a partner of the partnership, or to a trust of which the partner is the trustee.

(e) Where a license is held by a partnership, limited partnership, or limited liability partnership, the admission or withdrawal of a partner, limited partner, or partner of a limited liability partnership shall not be deemed a transfer of the license; provided that the licensee shall, within thirty days from the date of the admission or withdrawal, so notify the commission in writing, stating the name of the partner, limited partner, or partner of a limited liability partnership who has been admitted or withdrawn, and any other information as may be required by the commission. If the commission finds that the partner or limited partner for whom notification is required as specified in this subsection does not meet statutory requirements to hold a license in the partner's or limited partner's own right pursuant to section 281-45, it may, in its discretion, revoke the license or suspend the license until the partner or limited partner is removed or replaced by a partner or limited partner who meets the statutory requirements to hold a license pursuant to section 281-45.

(f) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the same procedure shall be followed in regard to the transfer of a license as is prescribed by this chapter for obtaining a license. Sections 281-51 to 281-60, except where inconsistent with this section, are applicable to the transfers. The word "applicant", as used in sections 281-51 to 281-60, shall include each proposed transferee, and the words, "application for a license or for the renewal of a license", as used in those sections, shall include an application for the transfer of a license.

(g) Upon the hearing, the commission shall consider the application and any objections to the granting thereof and hear the parties in interest. It shall inquire into the propriety of each transfer and determine whether the proposed transferee is a fit person to hold the license. It may approve a transfer or refuse to approve a transfer and the refusal by the commission to approve a transfer shall be final and conclusive, unless an appeal is taken as provided in chapter 91.

(h) If any licensee without prior approval, approval of a temporary license, or approval of a management agreement transfers to any other person the licensee's business for which the licensee's license was issued, either openly or under any undisclosed arrangement, whereby any person, other than the licensee, comes into exclusive possession or control of the business or takes in any partner or associate who would not meet statutory requirements to hold a license pursuant to section 281-45, the commission may in its discretion suspend or cancel the license. For purposes of this subsection, "management agreement" means a written agreement under which a licensee allows a manager to manage and operate the licensee's business on behalf of the licensee.

(i) If the licensee is a corporation or limited liability company, a change in ownership of any outstanding capital stock or membership interest shall not be deemed a transfer of a license; provided that, in the case of a change in ownership of twenty-five per cent or more of the voting capital stock or membership interest or in the case of change in ownership of any number of shares of the stock or membership interest that results in the transferee thereof becoming the owner of twenty-five per cent or more of the outstanding voting capital stock or membership interest, the corporate or limited liability company licensee shall, within thirty days of the date of the transfer, apply for the approval of the transfer from the commission in writing. If the commission finds that the transferee does not meet statutory requirements to hold a license in the transferee's own right pursuant to section 281-45, it shall not approve the transfer. If any transfer is made without the approval of the commission, the commission may in its discretion revoke or suspend the license until it determines that the transferee meets the statutory requirements to hold a license, and if the commission finds that the transferee does not meet the statutory requirements to hold a license, until a retransfer or new transfer of the capital stock or membership interest is made to a person who meets the statutory requirements to hold a license pursuant to section 281-45. In addition, the corporate or limited liability company licensee, if not a publicly-traded company, or an entity ultimately solely owned by a publicly-traded company, shall, within thirty days from the date of election or admission of any officer, director, manager, or member, notify the commission in writing of the name, age, and place of residence of the officer, director, manager, or member, and any other information as may be required by the commission. A publicly-traded corporation or limited liability company, or a corporation or limited liability company ultimately solely owned by a publicly-traded company, shall, within thirty days from the date of election or admission of any replacement of an officer, director, manager, or member designated as a primary decision-maker regarding the purchase and sale of liquor, notify the commission in writing of the name, age, and place of residence of the officer, director, manager, or member. If the commission finds that the officer, director, manager, or member for whom notification is required to be given as specified in this subsection, does not meet statutory requirements to hold a license in the officer's, director's, manager's, or member's own right pursuant to section 281-45, it may in its discretion revoke the license or suspend the license until the officer, director, manager, or member is removed or replaced by a person who meets statutory requirements to hold a license pursuant to section 281-45.

(j) If a licensee closes out the business for which the license is held, during the term for which the license was issued, the licensee shall, within five days from the date of closing the same, give the commission written notice thereof and surrender the licensee's license for cancellation, unless the licensee obtains prior approval from the commission to place its license with the commission for safekeeping. For the purposes of this subsection, "safekeeping" means the holding of a liquor license at the commission office while the licensee is not operating.

(k) The conversion of an entity into any other form of entity or the merger of any entity with any other entity shall not be deemed a transfer of the license; provided that the licensee, within thirty days of the conversion or merger, shall apply for and secure the approval of the commission without any requirement for publication of notice. The foregoing shall not preclude compliance with subsection (e) upon a change in any of the partners or with subsection (i) upon change of any shareholders, officers, directors, managers, or members of any entity occurring concurrently with a conversion or merger.

As used in this subsection, "entity" means a corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, or limited liability company.

(l) Any officer, director, partner, limited partner, manager, or member not designated as a primary decision-maker shall be prohibited from coercing, pressuring, or otherwise unduly influencing the decision of a designated primary decision-maker to engage in any unlawful activity relating to the purchase and sale of liquor. If the commission finds that coercion, pressure, or other undue influence has been placed on a primary decision-maker by any officer, director, manager, or member who is not a designated primary decision-maker, the commission may in its discretion suspend or cancel the license. [ L Sp 1933, c 40, §23; RL 1945, §7244; am L 1949, c 301, §1(c); am L 1951, c 223, §1(4); RL 1955, §159-41; am L 1957, c 321, §1(d); am L 1965, c 96, §97; am L 1967, c 119, §1; HRS §281-41; am L 1969, c 207, §1; am L 1971, c 76, §1; am L 1972, c 96, §1; am L 1980, c 256, §2; gen ch 1985; am L 1995, c 142, §1; am L 1998, c 90, §3; am L 2001, c 257, §4; am L 2002, c 120, §2; am L 2006, c 44, §2; am L 2009, c 184, §7; am L 2016, c 12, §1; am L 2017, c 184, §2; am L 2018, c 90, §2; am L 2021, c 66, §1]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-35 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-35
Special conditions; club licenses.
Status: in_force

[(a)] No liquor shall be sold under a club license to any person not a member of the club nor a guest thereof enjoying the privileges of membership, but a member or a guest enjoying the privileges of membership may purchase liquor for consumption on the premises by the person's own guests.

[(b)] The liquor commission may by rule require the keeping and posting of lists of the members of a club, and the keeping and production of records as to membership and the registration of guests enjoying the privileges of membership.

[(c)] No liquor shall be sold or kept for sale at any club except by the club itself pursuant to its license. If any liquor is sold or kept on the club premises for sale or barter by any member, employee, or person other than the club itself, the club shall be deemed to be selling without a license. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §16; RL 1935, §2585; RL 1945, §7237; RL 1955, §159-34; HRS §281-35; am L 1990, c 171, §12; am L 2006, c 44, §1; am L 2008, c 168, §7]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-59 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-59
Hearing; rehearing.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon the day of hearing, or any adjournment thereof, the liquor commission shall consider the application and any protests and objections to the granting thereof, and hear the parties in interest. The liquor commission shall accept all written or oral testimony for or against the application whether the application is denied, refused, or withdrawn. Within ninety days after the hearing, or within one hundred twenty days thereafter if in its discretion the commission extends the ninety days to one hundred twenty days, and gives public notice of same, the commission shall give its decision granting or refusing the application; provided that if a majority of the:

(1) Registered voters for the area within five hundred feet of the nearest point of the premises for which the license is asked; or

(2) Owners and lessees of record of real estate and owners of record of shares in a cooperative apartment within five hundred feet of the nearest point of the premises for which the license is asked,

have duly filed or caused to be filed their protests against the granting of the license, or if there appears any other disqualification under this chapter, the application shall be refused. Otherwise, the commission may in its discretion grant or refuse the same.

For purposes of defining "a majority of the owners and lessees of record of real estate and owners of record of shares in a cooperative apartment", each property counts only once; provided that roadways shall not be included. A protest submitted by the majority of the co-owners or the majority of the co-lessees of a property shall constitute a protest by all the owners or lessees of record of that property. A protest filed by owners or lessees who own more than one property shall be counted for each property.

(b) The liquor commission shall make available to the applicant and any protester for review before the public hearing, the protest list of those persons who filed a protest or objection to the application; provided that the applicant shall not use the protest list to attempt to influence in any way any protester to withdraw the protest or objection. All applicants and protesters may submit corrections, additions, and subtractions to the master list and the protest list at the public hearing; provided that additions or corrections to the voter registration list shall be certified by the clerk of the county. The liquor commission shall rule on proposed corrections, additions, and subtractions and give reasons for the ruling.

(c) The commission may also, with like discretion:

(1) Grant a license to one person in preference to another, without reference to any priority in the order of filing of the applications; and

(2) Of its own motion, or on the suggestion of any member, or of the investigator take notice of any matter or thing which in the opinion of a majority of its members would be a sufficient objection to the granting of a license; but in such case if the objection is one to which the applicant should be given a reasonable time to answer, a continuance may be granted in the discretion of the commission;

provided that in any case where any person affected by such decision petitions the commission for a rehearing of the application and on oath alleges facts and grounds for consideration which were not formerly presented or considered, or any other matter of fact which in the judgment of the commission seems sufficient to warrant a rehearing, such rehearing may be granted by the commission in its discretion upon the publication of notice of rehearing at least seven days before the date of the rehearing. When a rehearing is allowed notice shall be given to the applicant and to the applicant's opponents, by publication or otherwise as the commission shall direct. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §34; RL 1935, §2603; RL 1945, §7255; RL 1955, §159-58; am L 1957, c 321, §1(g); HRS §281-59; am L 1972, c 177, §7; am L 1984, c 123, §3; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 171, §19; am L 1995, c 142, §2; am L 2001, c 257, §7; am L 2008, c 168, §15; am L 2009, c 184, §10]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-83 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-83
REPEALED.
Status: in_force

L 1986, c 344, §16; L 1989, c 149, §1.
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-11.5 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-11.5
Liquor commission and board attorney.
Status: in_force

The liquor commission or liquor control adjudication board may hire attorneys to assist it in carrying out its administrative functions under this chapter. The assistance may include providing legal advice and prosecuting and defending legal claims under this chapter or arising in connection with this chapter.
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-104 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-104
Investigators, employees, counsel for.
Status: in_force

Whenever any investigator or other employee of the liquor commission shall be prosecuted for any crime or sued in any civil cause for acts done in the performance of the investigator's or employee's duty as an investigator or employee, the investigator or employee shall be represented and defended in:

(1) The criminal proceeding by an attorney to be employed and paid by the commission; and

(2) The civil cause by the corporation counsel or county attorney of the county in which the investigator or employee is serving or, if permitted under the appropriate county charter, by an outside attorney to be employed and paid for by the commission. [L 1957, c 321, pt of §1; Supp, §159-102.01; HRS §281-104; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 171, §33; am L 2020, c 70, §26]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-14 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-14
Records.
Status: in_force

The liquor commission and liquor control adjudication board shall ensure that complete records are kept of all commission and board meetings, proceedings, and acts with reference to all business pertaining to licenses issued, suspended, and revoked, moneys received as license fees and otherwise, and disbursements by the commission or board or under its authority. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, these records shall be open for examination by the public. The records may be destroyed as provided in section 46-43. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §6; RL 1935, §2575; am L Sp 1941, c 89, §1(a); RL 1945, §7226; RL 1955, §159-13; HRS §281-14; am L 1976, c 55, §1; am L 1990, c 171, §5; am L 1998, c 249, §6]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-106 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-106
Prosecutions not to exclude other remedies affecting license or goods.
Status: in_force

The provisions in this chapter for the imposition upon any licensee of the penalties by fine or imprisonment for any violation of this chapter or of any rule or regulation made hereunder having the force of law shall be in addition to and independent of any other right of the liquor commission or the liquor control adjudication board under this chapter to effect a suspension or revocation of the license of the licensee and shall also be in addition to and independent of any proceeding to effect the forfeiture of any liquor or other property belonging to the licensee as contemplated by this chapter. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §65; RL 1935, §2633; RL 1945, §7285; RL 1955, §159-103; HRS §281-106; am L 1998, c 249, §18]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-22 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-22
Political activities of commission employees.
Status: in_force

(a) A commission employee may support, advocate, or aid in the election or defeat of any candidate for public office, or run for public office; provided the employee:

(1) Notifies the commission in writing of the employee's intent to support, advocate, or aid in the election or defeat of a candidate for public office; and

(2) If a candidate for public office, takes a leave of absence in accordance with section 78-23 for a period beginning prior to the initiation of political activities related to the candidacy and ending the day following the general election for the office.

(b) Notwithstanding chapter 11 or any other law to the contrary, no commission employee shall solicit or receive contributions, or receive or transfer money or anything of value from a licensee for the purpose of supporting, advocating, or aiding in the election or defeat of a candidate for public office. Violation of this subsection shall be:

(1) Punishable by summary dismissal of the employee; and

(2) Subject to fines in accordance with section 11-410. [L 2002, c 111, §1; am L 2009, c 184, §5; am L 2010, c 211, §6]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-113 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-113
Claims.
Status: in_force

If the owner or possessor of any property or liquor seized under this chapter appears and makes claim to the same, the owner or possessor shall file with the court, before whom the proceedings are pending, the owner's or possessor's claim in writing, setting forth the owner's or possessor's interest therein, and the reason why it should not be adjudged forfeited. The owner or possessor shall also give bond in favor of the State sufficient in amount and sureties, approved by such court, conditioned that such claim will be diligently prosecuted and that if it is decided against the owner or possessor the owner or possessor will pay the costs awarded against the owner or possessor. If the judgment is against the claimant, the property and liquor and all containers thereof shall be adjudged forfeited and disposed of as provided in this chapter and judgment shall be rendered against the claimant for all costs of the proceedings incurred after the filing of the claimant's claim. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §72; RL 1935, §2641; RL 1945, §7292; RL 1955, §159-110; HRS §281-113; am L 1970, c 188, §39; gen ch 1985]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-102.5 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-102.5
Purchasing from other than primary source of supply; penalty.
Status: in_force

(a) No licensee authorized to import liquor into this State shall order, purchase, or receive liquor for resale unless the licensee orders, purchases or receives it from the primary source of supply for the brand of liquor sought to be sold. No licensee authorized to import liquor into this State may sell liquor purchased or received by the licensee to any person if the liquor has not been purchased or received by the licensee from the primary source of supply.

(b) No supplier shall solicit, accept or fill any order for any liquor from any licensee authorized to import liquor into this State unless the supplier is the primary source of supply for the brand of liquor sold or sought to be sold.

(c) The commission or board shall revoke for a period of not less than six months the license of any manufacturer, rectifier, wholesaler, retailer, or other licensee who violates, directly or indirectly, the provisions of this section. The penalty prescribed in this section is cumulative and in addition to any other penalties prescribed in this chapter.

(d) For purposes of this section, "primary source of supply" means:

(1) The manufacturer of the liquor, if the liquor can be secured directly from the manufacturer by United States wholesalers, or

(2) The rectifier, the owner of the liquor at the time it becomes a marketable product, the bottler, the importer, or the exclusive agent of any such person, who, if the liquor cannot be secured from the manufacturer by United States wholesalers, is the source closest to the manufacturer in the chain of distribution from whom the product can be secured by the United States wholesalers. [L 1983, c 293, §1; am L 1998, c 249, §17]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-47 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-47
Standard bar; music and dancing available.
Status: in_force

Any standard bar establishment may provide facilities for dancing by patrons, including a dance floor and live or recorded music, if the establishment is located in a commercial district and obtains the approval of the commission to provide such services on a one time trial basis not to exceed ninety days; provided that the music and dancing shall be allowed only during the trial period.
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-105 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-105
Determination whether acts were in scope of duty.
Status: in_force

The determination of whether the acts of an investigator or other employee of the liquor commission, when the investigator or other employee is being prosecuted or sued, were done in the performance of the investigator's or other employee's duty, so as to entitle the investigator or other employee to be represented by the county attorney or corporation counsel of the county or city and county of the commission in question, or by an attorney employed and paid by the commission shall be made by the commission of the county after consultation with the county attorney or corporation counsel who may make a recommendation to the commission in respect thereof if the county attorney or corporation counsel so desires, and such determination shall be conclusive for such purpose only.

Revision Note

The second reference to "county attorney or corporation counsel" was substituted for the words "county or city and county attorney" to conform to county charters.
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-34 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-34
Sham operation under club license; supervision.
Status: in_force

Whenever the liquor commission is of the opinion that any holder of a club license is not conducting the business under such license in good faith, or that the premises thereof are not continuously kept suitably arranged, furnished, equipped, and actually and reputably operated as a club, or that the apparent or claimed manner of operation of the club as such is only nominal or pretended or amounts to a sham or subterfuge under which liquor is being sold as the principal object of the club, the license may be summarily suspended pending a hearing why it should not be revoked. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §14; RL 1935, §2583; am L 1937, c 211, §9; RL 1945, §7235; RL 1955, §159-33; HRS §281-34]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-111 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-111
Condemnation of property or liquor; disposition.
Status: in_force

Any still, plant, or other equipment shown to have been used for the manufacture of liquor in violation of this chapter and any liquor manufactured or sold in violation of this chapter shall be subject to summary seizure as herein provided or to subsequent seizure, and may be condemned and adjudged forfeited to the State, in addition to any penalty separately provided for the violation, the same to be enforced by appropriate legal proceedings in the name of the State. All property and liquor condemned and forfeited pursuant to this section may be ordered by the court having jurisdiction to be wholly or partially destroyed or to be sold, wholly or partially, for the account of the county wherein the same were seized; provided that the court may order any of the liquor, if suitable, to be delivered to the department of health for distribution to any public institution for use therein for medicinal purposes. The order of the court with respect to property or liquor condemned and forfeited pursuant to this section shall be effectively executed by the sheriff or the sheriff's deputy, or by the chief of police or the chief of police's deputy, or by any police officer, or by the commission's administrator, or by any investigator, within the time as may be fixed in the order but not exceeding sixty days. If any person, whether or not an officer or employee of the State or any county, takes, disposes of, or uses, in any manner or to any extent, any of the property or liquor otherwise than as provided in this section, the person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as provided in section 281-102. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §70; RL 1935, §2638; RL 1945, §7290; RL 1955, §159-108; am L Sp 1959 2d, c 1, §19; HRS §281-111; am L 1970, c 188, §39; gen ch 1985; am L 1989, c 211, §10; am L 1990, c 171, §38 and c 281, §11; am L 2020, c 70, §27]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-13 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-13
Meetings.
Status: in_force

Meetings of the liquor commission or the liquor control adjudication board may be held at any time and as often from time to time as the commission or board deems necessary for the proper transaction of its business, upon call of the chairperson or by any other two members of the commission or board. The administrator shall give notice of the meetings as the commission or board may prescribe to the several members, and give any other notice thereof directed by the commission or board.

A majority of all the members of the commission or board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but the affirmative vote of a majority of all of the members shall be necessary to determine any matter before it. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §5; RL 1935, §2574; RL 1945, §7225; am L 1951, c 223, §1(3); RL 1955, §159-12; HRS §281-13; am L 1990, c 171, §4; gen ch 1992; am L 1998, c 249, §5]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-95 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-95
Bankruptcy, insolvency, death.
Status: in_force

If a licensee becomes a legally adjudicated bankrupt, or makes an assignment for the benefit of the licensee's creditors, or dies, before the expiration of the term of the licensee's license, the licensee's trustee in bankruptcy, assignee, or personal representative, as the case may be, may, with the consent of the liquor commission, continue to exercise the license for the purpose of closing the affairs of the estate; but if not so continued within forty-five days the commission shall cancel the license.

If a mortgage on the premises covered by a license is foreclosed before the expiration of the term of the license, the mortgagee, or the mortgagee's authorized representative or a duly appointed commissioner of sale may, with the consent of the commission, continue to exercise the license or continue it in effect for the purpose of completing a sale of the premises under the foreclosure proceedings. Notwithstanding any rule or regulation of the commission to the contrary, the payment of any renewal fee for a license issued for the premises involved in foreclosure proceedings or additional fee accrued on the basis of gross sales made under such a license may be withheld until sale of the premises has been completed. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §58; RL 1935, §2627; RL 1945, §7279; RL 1955, §159-94; am L 1959, c 207, §1; HRS §281-95; am L 1976, c 87, §6 and c 200, pt of §1; gen ch 1985]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-82 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-82
No action for debt.
Status: in_force

No person except a licensed manufacturer or licensed wholesale or retail dealer or his heirs, personal representatives, trustees, or assigns with respect to sales regularly made under his license shall recover by any process of law any debt or demand on account of the sale on credit of any liquor, nor on any note or like obligation given in payment for liquor. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §52; RL 1935, §2621; RL 1945, §7270; RL 1955, §159-81; HRS §281-82; am L 1976, c 200, pt of §1]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-60 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-60
Further application.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided for in section 281-13, if an applicant has at any time been denied or refused a license, no further application from the applicant pertaining to the same premises or building location shall be considered for one year from the denial or refusal.

(b) If an application pertaining to a particular premises or building location is denied, refused, or withdrawn, the next application from any applicant for that premises or building location shall include a report prepared by the applicant evidencing a substantial change in the circumstances that caused the previous denial, refusal, or withdrawal. The commission shall deny the application at the preliminary hearing unless the applicant submits evidence of a substantial change in the circumstances that previously caused the denial, refusal, or withdrawal of an application pertaining to that premises or building location. The commission may consider the following factors in deciding whether to grant an application pertaining to a premises or building location for which an application has previously been denied, refused, or withdrawn:

(1) Whether a majority of the registered voters residing within five hundred feet of the nearest point of the premises or building location for which the license is asked, or a majority of the owners and lessees of record of real estate and owners of record of shares in a cooperative apartment within five hundred feet of the nearest point of the premises or building location for which the license is asked, no longer oppose the granting of the license;

(2) Whether plans for the construction, building design, use, or operation of the proposed establishment have been altered such that they will not conflict with the character of the surrounding area. In evaluating the character of an area for the purposes of this section, the commission may consider the following factors:

(A) The usual and existing types of business, residential, and recreational uses and activities within the area;

(B) The proximity of residential areas;

(C) The population density of the area;

(D) The typical or ambient noise levels of the area;

(E) The motor vehicle traffic volume, congestion, and noise; and

(F) Any other factors that the commission finds relevant;

(3) Whether the neighborhood board for the area where the premises is located has rendered a decision on the granting of the license;

(4) Whether the applicant is a fit and proper person to have a license; and

(5) Any other considerations deemed by the commission to affect the matter of the application, the issuance, or the exercise of the license applied for. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §35; RL 1935, §2604; RL 1945, §7256; am L 1951, c 223, §1(8); RL 1955, §159-59; HRS §281-60; gen ch 1985; am L 1986, c 67, §1; am L 1990, c 171, §20; am L 1996, c 62, §2; am L 2001, c 257, §8]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-19 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-19
Hearings, attendance, examinations.
Status: in_force

If any person subpoenaed as a witness to attend before the liquor commission or liquor control adjudication board, or to produce any books, papers, or records called for by the process of the commission or board, fails or refuses to respond thereto, or refuses to answer questions propounded by any member of the commission or board or its counsel material to the matter pending before the commission or board, the circuit court of the circuit within which the licensed premises involved are situated, upon request of the commission or board, shall have power to compel obedience to any process of the commission or board and require the witness to answer questions put to the witness, and to punish, as a contempt of the court, any refusal to comply therewith without good cause shown therefor.

False swearing by any witness before the commission or board, shall constitute perjury and be punished as such, and whenever the commission or board is satisfied that a witness has sworn falsely in any hearing or investigation before the commission or board, it shall report the same to the prosecuting officer for prosecution. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §9; RL 1935, §2578; RL 1945, §7229; RL 1955, §159-18; HRS §281-19; gen ch 1985; am L 1998, c 249, §9]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-78 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-78
Prohibitions.
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall:

(1) Consume any liquor on any public highway, except as permitted in section 291-3.4;

(2) Consume any liquor on any public sidewalk, including any sidewalk within a public housing project;

(3) Consume any liquor on any common area of a public housing project; or

(4) Possess or keep, while on any sidewalk or common area within a public housing project, any bottle, can, or other receptacle containing any intoxicating liquor that has been opened, that has a broken seal, or the contents of which have been partially removed.

For purposes of this subsection:

"Common area" means roofs, halls, corridors, lobbies, stairs, stairways, fire escapes, entrances and exits of the building or buildings, basements, yards, gardens, recreational facilities, parking areas, storage spaces, and other parts of the project normally in common use or other areas designated by the Hawaii public housing authority.

"Public housing project" means any state or federal public housing project as defined in section 356D-1 or 356D-91 or a state low-income housing project as defined in section 356D-51.

(b) At no time under any circumstances shall any licensee or its employee:

(1) Sell, serve, or furnish any liquor to, or allow the consumption of any liquor by:

(A) Any minor;

(B) Any person at the time under the influence of liquor;

(C) Any person known to the licensee to be addicted to the excessive use of intoxicating liquor; or

(D) Any person for consumption in any vehicle that is licensed to travel on public highways;

provided that the consumption or sale of liquor to a minor shall not be deemed to be a violation of this subsection if, in making the sale or allowing the consumption of any liquor by a minor, the licensee was misled by the appearance of the minor and the attending circumstances into honestly believing that the minor was of legal age and the licensee acted in good faith; provided further that it shall be incumbent upon the licensee to prove that the licensee so acted in good faith;

(2) Permit any liquor to be consumed on the premises of the licensee or on any premises connected therewith, whether there purchased or not, except as permitted by the terms of its license;

(3) Permit any liquor to be sold or served by any person eighteen to twenty years of age except in licensed establishments where selling or serving the intoxicating liquor is part of the minor's employment, and where there is proper supervision of these minor employees to ensure that the minors shall not consume the intoxicating liquor;

(4) Permit any liquor to be sold or served by any person below the age of eighteen years upon any licensed premises, except in individually specified licensed establishments found to be otherwise suitable by the liquor commission in which an approved program of job training and employment for dining room waiters and waitresses is being conducted in cooperation with the University of Hawaii, the state community college system, or a federally sponsored personnel development and training program, under arrangements that ensure proper control and supervision of employees;

(5) Knowingly permit any person under the influence of liquor or disorderly person to be or remain in or on the licensed premises;

(6) Fail to timely prevent or suppress any violent, quarrelsome, disorderly, lewd, immoral, or unlawful conduct of any person on the premises; or

(7) Receive from a person, as payment or as a consideration for liquor, any personal or household goods, including clothing and food, or any implements of trade. Any person violating this paragraph shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished as provided in section 281-102. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §48; RL 1935, §2617; am L 1935, c 105, §§13, 14, 15; am L 1937, c 211, §19; am L Sp 1941, c 89, §1(d); RL 1945, §7266; am L 1951, c 223, §1(9); RL 1955, §159-77; am L 1957, c 274, §1; am L 1967, c 184, §1; HRS §281-78; am L 1969, c 228, §1; am L 1976, c 3, §1; gen ch 1985; am L 1986, c 342, §3; am L 1987, c 283, §70; am L 1988, c 350, §1 and c 383, §6; am L 1990, c 171, §25; am L 1991, c 206, §2; am L 1992, c 207, §2; am L 1996, c 101, §1; am L 2008, c 34, §1; am L 2012, c 88, §2; am L 2013, c 150, §1; am L 2019, c 226, §2]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-80 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-80
Arrest.
Status: in_force

Any investigator or police officer who observes any violation by any person of this chapter or of any rule or regulation of the liquor commission, may forthwith arrest the person without a warrant. Whenever any violation of this chapter or of the regulations of the commission occurs in the presence of any licensee, or any investigator or police officer, upon request of the licensee the police officer or investigator may assist the licensee in arresting any patron for violation thereof. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §50; RL 1935, §2619; am L 1939, c 205, pt of §1; RL 1945, §7268; RL 1955, §159-79; HRS §281-80; am L 1990, c 171, §27]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-38 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-38
Conditions of licenses.
Status: in_force

Every license issued under this chapter shall contain the condition that it is subject to this chapter and any other laws applicable to the business of the licensee, whether in existence at the time of issue of such license or enacted or amended from time to time thereafter, and to all applicable rules and regulations of the liquor commission as the same may exist or be adopted or changed from time to time. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §20; RL 1935, §2589; RL 1945, §7241; RL 1955, §159-38; HRS §281-38]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-97 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-97
When sale without license authorized.
Status: in_force

In case a license is revoked or canceled or not renewed, the licensee may with the permission of and upon the conditions set by the liquor commission sell intoxicating liquors then in the licensee's possession within sixty days, or within such additional time allowed by the commission, unless under this chapter the same are seized or forfeited.

Any bank, trust company, or financial institution owning or possessing intoxicating liquor which was acquired by the bank, trust company, or financial institution in the ordinary course of its business, may sell the intoxicating liquor with the permission of and upon conditions set by the commission.

Any person acting as personal representative, or guardian of a licensee's estate, or any receiver, assignee for benefit of creditors, trustee in bankruptcy, may sell the stock of intoxicating liquor with the permission of and upon conditions set by the commission, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

Any insurance company, or any common carrier acting as an insurer for losses to persons shipping intoxicating liquor, may take possession of and sell the intoxicating liquor, the containers of which have been damaged by fire or otherwise, with the permission of and upon conditions set by the commission.

Any person in possession of a stock of lawfully acquired intoxicating liquor under a foreclosure proceeding, proceedings for enforcement of a lien, civil execution, or under any other proceeding or process, may sell such intoxicating liquor with the permission of and upon conditions set by the commission. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §60; RL 1935, §2629; RL 1945, §7281; am L 1951, c 223, §1(12); RL 1955, §159-96; HRS §281-97; am L 1972, c 177, §8; am L 1976, c 200, pt of §1; gen ch 1985]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-102 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-102
Other offenses; penalty.
Status: in_force

If any person violates this chapter or any rule or regulation in effect by authority of this chapter, whether in connection therewith a penalty is referred to or not, for which violation no penalty is specifically prescribed, the person shall be imprisoned not more than six months or fined not more than $1,000, or both. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §63; RL 1935, §2631; am L Sp 1941, c 89, §1(g); RL 1945, §7283; RL 1955, §159-101; am L 1957, c 164, §1; HRS §281-102; am L 1971, c 79, §2; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 171, §32]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-56 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-56
Report by investigator.
Status: in_force

(a) On every application referred to the investigator under section 281-55, the investigator shall report in writing to the liquor commission and, if the application is for a license of any class other than class 8, class 9, or class 10, the report shall include:

(1) A description of the premises intended to become the licensed premises, and the equipment and surrounding conditions, including the relationship to surrounding residences that may share a common boundary or a common structure with the premises proposed for licensing;

(2) If the application is made by a person who has held a prior license for the same or any other premises within two years past, a statement as to the manner in which the premises have been operated and the business conducted under the previous license;

(3) The locality of any church, chapel, or school, if any, within a distance of five hundred feet from the nearest point of the premises for which the license is proposed to the nearest point of the church, chapel, or school grounds;

(4) The number, position, and distance from the premises, in respect of which a license is applied for, of any other licensed premises of the same class in the neighborhood;

(5) The number of licenses of the same class or kind already issued and being lawfully exercised within the county;

(6) Whether or not the applicant is for any reason disqualified by this chapter from obtaining or exercising a license; and whether or not the applicant has complied with all the requirements of this chapter relative to the making and filing of the applicant's application;

(7) For the next application by the same applicant for a license in the same physical location that was previously denied, refused, or withdrawn, evidence, to be provided by the applicant, of a substantial change in the circumstances that caused the previous denial, refusal, or withdrawal; and

(8) The possible adverse effects the premises, after licensing, may have on the surrounding community if the license application is for premises within a county having a population of five hundred thousand residents or more.

(b) A copy of the report shall be furnished to the applicant not less than forty-eight hours before any hearing is had upon the application. Upon written request, a copy of the report shall be furnished to any requester.

(c) The applicant and any protester may challenge findings contained in the investigator's report before or at any hearing on the application. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §31; RL 1935, §2600; am L 1937, c 211, §15; am L 1939, c 205, pt of §1; am L Sp 1941, c 89, §1(c); RL 1945, §7252; am L 1945, c 217, §1; RL 1955, §159-55; HRS §281-56; am L 1971, c 113, §1; am L 1975, c 55, §4; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 171, §17; am L 2001, c 257, §5; am L 2002, c 120, §3; am L 2008, c 168, §12; am L 2022, c 76, §7]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-93 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-93
Reports to prosecuting officers.
Status: in_force

When the revocation or suspension of any license is by reason of any violation of law the liquor commission or the administrator shall report the facts to the prosecuting officer for prosecution. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §56; RL 1935, §2625; RL 1945, §7277; RL 1955, §159-92; HRS §281-93; am L 1998, c 249, §14]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-84 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-84
Exclusion of intoxicated person from premises; penalty.
Status: in_force

Every person who, being under the influence of liquor, enters any premises licensed for the sale of liquor, or being under the influence of liquor there remains after having been requested by the licensee or any person in the licensee's employ to leave the premises, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as in section 281-102 provided. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §53; RL 1935, §2622; RL 1945, §7272; RL 1955, §159-83; HRS §281-84; gen ch 1985]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-101.5 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-101.5
Prohibitions involving minors; penalty.
Status: in_force

(a) Any adult who provides or purchases liquor for consumption or use by a person under twenty-one years of age shall be guilty of the offense under section 712‑1250.5.

(b) No minor shall consume or purchase liquor and no minor shall consume or have liquor in the minor's possession or custody in any public place, public gathering, or public amusement, at any public beach or public park, or in any motor vehicle on a public highway; provided that notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, this subsection shall not apply to:

(1) Possession or custody of liquor by a minor in the course of delivery, pursuant to the direction of the minor's employer lawfully engaged in business necessitating the delivery;

(2) Possession, custody, or consumption of liquor by a minor in connection with the minor's authorized participation in religious ceremonies requiring such possession, custody, or consumption; or

(3) Any person between the ages of eighteen and twenty, who is participating in a controlled purchase as part of a law enforcement activity or a study authorized by the department of health to determine the level of incidence of liquor sales to minors.

(c) No minor shall falsify any identification or use any false identification or identification of another person or of a fictitious person for the purpose of buying or attempting to buy liquor or for the purpose of obtaining employment to sell or serve liquor on licensed premises.

(d) Any person under age eighteen who violates this section shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the family court. Any person age eighteen to twenty-one who violates subsection (b) or (c) shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor. The court shall order that any person under twenty-one years of age found to be in violation of this section shall have, in addition to any other disposition or sentencing provision permitted by law, the person's license to operate a motor vehicle, or the person's ability to obtain a license to operate a motor vehicle, suspended as follows:

(1) For licensed drivers, the driver's license shall be suspended for not less than one hundred and eighty days with exceptions to allow, at the discretion of the sentencing court, driving to and from school, school-sponsored activities, and employment;

(2) For persons with a provisional license, the provisional license shall be suspended for not less than one hundred and eighty days with exceptions to allow, at the discretion of the sentencing court, driving to and from school, school-sponsored activities, and employment;

(3) For persons with an instruction permit, the instruction permit shall be suspended for not less than one hundred and eighty days with exceptions to allow, at the discretion of the sentencing court, driving to and from school, school-sponsored activities, and employment; or

(4) For persons not licensed to drive, eligibility to obtain a driver's license, provisional license, or instruction permit shall be suspended until the age of seventeen or for one hundred and eighty days, at the discretion of the court; and

(5) Chapter 571 notwithstanding, in any case where a person under the age of eighteen violates this section, the family court judge may suspend the driver's license, provisional license, or instruction permit, or suspend the eligibility to obtain a driver's license, provisional license, or instruction permit in accordance with this section;

provided that the requirement to provide proof of financial responsibility pursuant to section 287-20 shall not be based upon a sentence imposed under paragraphs (1) and (2). In addition, all persons whether or not licensed, found to be in violation of this section shall be sentenced to seventy-five hours of community service work, and an eight to twelve hour program of alcohol education and counseling the costs of which shall be borne by the offender or the offender's parent or guardian.

(e) As used in this section, "consume" or "consumption" includes the ingestion of liquor. [L 1971, c 79, §1; gen ch 1985; am L 1987, c 207, §1; am L 1999, c 228, §1; am L 2003, c 69, §2; am L 2006, c 202, §2 and c 203, §1]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-53.5 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-53.5
County liquor commissions; criminal history record check.
Status: in_force

(a) The respective county liquor commissions may request a criminal history record check of an applicant for a liquor license in accordance with section 846-2.7; provided that neither a criminal history record check nor compliance with this section shall be required for the officers and directors of publicly-traded companies or entities ultimately solely owned by a publicly-traded company, who are not designated as primary decision-makers regarding the sale or purchase of liquor; provided further that a county liquor commission of a county with a population of less than five hundred thousand shall not request an officer, director, or board member of a nonprofit organization to be fingerprinted. The criminal history record check, at a minimum, shall require the applicant to disclose whether:

(1) The applicant has been convicted in any jurisdiction of a crime that would tend to indicate the applicant may be unsuited for obtaining a liquor license; and

(2) The judgment of conviction has not been vacated.

For the purpose of this section, the criminal history disclosure made by the applicant may be verified by the liquor commission by means of information obtained through the Hawaii criminal justice data center. The applicant shall provide the Hawaii criminal justice data center with personal identifying information that shall include but not be limited to the applicant's name, social security number, date of birth, and gender. This information shall be secured only for the purpose of conducting the criminal history record check authorized by this section.

(b) The applicant shall submit to the liquor commission:

(1) A statement signed under penalty of law as to whether the applicant has ever been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation;

(2) Written consent to request and obtain criminal history record information for verification; and

(3) Permission to be fingerprinted.

(c) The liquor commission shall obtain criminal history record information through the Hawaii criminal justice data center on the applicant. The information obtained shall be used exclusively for the stated purpose for which it was obtained and shall be subject to applicable federal laws and regulations currently or hereafter in effect. [L 2003, c 95, §3; am L 2017, c 184, §5; am L 2025, c 12, §1]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-5 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-5
Powdered alcohol.
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall consume, purchase, possess, sell, offer for sale, or otherwise distribute powdered alcohol in the State.

(b) Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished as provided in section 281-102.

(c) As used in this section, "powdered alcohol" means a powdered or crystalline substance that contains any amount of alcohol for either direct use or reconstitution.

(d) This section does not apply to the use of powdered alcohol for legal commercial uses or bona fide research purposes by:

(1) A health care provider who uses powdered alcohol for the purpose of conducting scientific research;

(2) A state institution;

(3) The University of Hawaii, or other accredited educational or research institution; or

(4) A pharmaceutical or biotechnology company. [L 2015, c 186, §1]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-77 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-77
Refusal of samples; penalty.
Status: in_force

Any licensee who refuses to deliver or accede to the taking of any sample of liquor for analysis upon disclosure of the procurer's authority as provided by section 281-75 shall be fined not more than $2,000. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §43; RL 1935, §2612; RL 1945, §7265; RL 1955, §159-76; HRS §281-77; am L 1990, c 171, §24]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-32 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-32
Licenses, temporary.
Status: in_force

(a) A temporary license of any class and kind specified in section 281-31 may be granted under the following conditions:

(1) The premises shall have been operated under a license of the same class, kind, and category issued by the liquor commission at least one year immediately prior to the date of filing of the application for a temporary license, except as otherwise approved by the commission;

(2) The license of the same class, kind, and category then in effect for the premises shall be surrendered in such manner and at such time as the commission shall direct;

(3) The applicant for a temporary license shall have filed with the commission an application for a license of the same class, kind, and category currently or previously in effect for the premises;

(4) The application for a temporary license shall be accompanied by a license fee in such amount as may be prescribed by the commission. If the application is denied or withdrawn, the fee which accompanied the application shall become a realization of the county;

(5) A temporary license shall be for a period of not in excess of one hundred twenty days. The license may be renewed at the discretion of the commission for not more than one additional one hundred twenty-day period upon payment of such additional fee as may be prescribed by the commission and upon compliance with all conditions required in this section and section 281-31. When a temporary license has expired and no permanent license has been issued, the sale and service of liquor shall cease until the permanent license is issued; provided that, when applicable, the license shall be properly renewed;

(6) A temporary license shall authorize the licensee to purchase liquor only by payment in currency, check, or certified check for the liquor before or at the time of delivery of the liquor to the licensee, except as otherwise provided by commission rule; and

(7) Sections 281-52 and 281-54 and sections 281-56 to 281-61 shall not apply to any application for a temporary license.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the commission shall reduce submission requirements, including the waiving of hearings, fees, notarization of documents, submission of floor plans, and other requirements, to provide for the issuance of temporary licenses for the sale of liquor for a period not to exceed one day for fundraising events by nonprofit organizations. The temporary license granted under this subsection to a nonprofit organization for a fundraising event shall enable the nonprofit organization to auction off, at a live or silent auction, liquor in sealed or covered glass, ceramic, or metal containers or services that provide liquor. No criminal history record checks under section 281-53.5 shall be required; provided that the commission may require a background check on the executive director of the nonprofit organization.

For purposes of this subsection, "nonprofit organization" means those charitable organizations recognized under state or federal law and exempt from federal taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(c) The commission may adopt rules to implement this section. [L 1967, c 105, §1; HRS §281-32; am L 1972, c 177, §3; gen ch 1985; am L 1988, c 383, §4; am L 2008, c 168, §6; am L 2018, c 92, §1]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-58 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-58
Protests.
Status: in_force

Protests against the granting of a license may be filed by any person. Protests against the granting of a license upon such application, which qualifies for an automatic refusal pursuant to section 281-39.5 or 281-59, may be so filed by any registered voter for the area within five hundred feet of the nearest point at which the applicant proposes to establish or continue the applicant's business under the license applied for, or by any owner or lessee of record of real estate or by any owner of record of a share in a cooperative apartment situated within a distance of five hundred feet from the nearest point of the premises for which the license is asked to the nearest point of such real estate or cooperative apartment. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §33; RL 1935, §2602; RL 1945, §7254; RL 1955, §159-57; HRS §281-58; am L 1972, c 177, §6; am L 1984, c 123, §2; gen ch 1985; am L 2008, c 168, §14]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-3 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-3
Illegal manufacture, importation, or sale of liquor.
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person not having a valid license to manufacture or sell any liquor except as otherwise provided in this chapter; provided that the head of any family may produce for family use and not for sale an amount of wine not exceeding two hundred gallons a year, and an amount of beer not exceeding one hundred gallons a year.

It shall also be unlawful for any person, not having a valid wholesale license or a valid manufacturer's (including rectifier's) license, to import any liquor from without the State, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. Liquor imported into this State shall come to rest at the warehouse of the manufacturer (including rectifier) or the wholesaler importing the liquor, shall be unloaded into such warehouse, and shall be held in such warehouse for at least forty-eight hours before further sale by such manufacturer (including rectifier) or wholesaler.

It shall also be unlawful for any person to label, designate, or sell any liquor using the word "Hawaii", "Hawaiian", "Aloha State", "50th State", "Kauai", "Maui", "Oahu", or "Honolulu" unless such liquor is wholly or partially manufactured in the State, and all of the primary ingredients are wholly rectified or combined in the State of Hawaii in compliance with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau standards.

A license shall constitute authority for the licensee to sell only the liquor thereby authorized to be sold by the licensee. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §2; RL 1935, §2571; am L 1935, c 105, §2; am L 1937, c 211, §3; RL 1945, §7222; am L 1951, c 223, §1(2); RL 1955, §159-3; am L 1963, c 50, §1; HRS §281-3; am L 1972, c 95, §1; am L 1980, c 57, §1 and c 199, §1; am L 1981, c 182, §2; am L 1982, c 76, §1; gen ch 1985; am L 1986, c 344, §12; am L 1987, c 141, §1; am L 1990, c 171, §2; am L 2009, c 184, §3]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-54 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-54
Filing fees with application.
Status: in_force

A filing fee in such amount as shall be established by the respective liquor commission shall be paid with any application for an initial issuance of a license or for a transfer of a license.

Where a license is granted, the filing fee deposited with the application shall become part payment of the fee required for such license. Where an application is denied or withdrawn, the filing fee paid shall become a realization of the county. [L 1951, c 223, §1(7); RL 1955, §159-53; am L 1965, c 31, §1(4) and c 181, §1; HRS §281-54; am L 1988, c 383, §5]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-35.5 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-35.5
Special conditions; condominium hotel licenses.
Status: in_force

A condominium hotel operator shall submit to the commission a copy of the information on the initial application for registration of the condominium hotel operator approved by the real estate commission pursuant to section 467-30, if the condominium hotel operator is required to be registered with the real estate commission. The condominium hotel operator shall maintain for inspection at the condominium hotel by any authorized employee of the commission a list of the units being utilized for transient lodgings from time to time as part of the condominium hotel.
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-33 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-33
Special powers, privileges, and rights.
Status: in_force

The following special powers, privileges, and rights are hereby granted, anything in this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding:

(1) Any person arriving in the State may bring with the person for private use and consumption and not for resale, any liquor not exceeding one gallon, and two cases of beer not exceeding six gallons without securing a license;

(2) Any religious organization may import or receive into the State sacramental wine for use in the religious rites of the religious organization without securing a license;

(3) Any consul general, consul, or vice-consul of any foreign country may import or receive into the State, for private use and consumption, any liquor without securing a license. [L 1939, c 205, pt of §1; RL 1945, §7234; RL 1955, §159-32; HRS §281-33; am L 1978, c 27, §1; gen ch 1985]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-17 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-17
Jurisdiction and powers.
Status: in_force

(a) The liquor commission, within its own county, shall have the jurisdiction, power, authority, and discretion, subject only to this chapter:

(1) To grant, refuse, suspend, and revoke any license for the manufacture, importation, and sale of liquors;

(2) To take appropriate action against a person who, directly or indirectly, manufactures, sells, or purchases any liquor without being authorized pursuant to this chapter; provided that in counties that have established by charter a liquor control adjudication board, the board shall have the jurisdiction, power, authority, and discretion to hear and determine administrative complaints of the director regarding violations of the liquor laws of the State or of the rules of the liquor commission, and impose penalties for violations thereof as may be provided by law;

(3) To control, supervise, and regulate the manufacture, importation, and sale of liquors by investigation, enforcement, and education; provided that any educational program shall be limited to the commission staff, commissioners, liquor control adjudication board members, and licensees and their employees, and shall be financed through the money collected from the assessment of fines against licensees; provided that fine moneys, not to exceed ten per cent a year of fines accumulated, may be used to fund public liquor-related educational or enforcement programs;

(4) From time to time to make, amend, and repeal rules, not inconsistent with this chapter, as in the judgment of the commission are deemed appropriate for carrying out this chapter and for the efficient administration thereof, and the proper conduct of the business of all licensees, including every matter or thing required to be done or which may be done with the approval or consent, by order, under the direction or supervision of, or as prescribed by the commission; which rules, when adopted as provided in chapter 91 shall have the force and effect of law;

(5) Subject to chapter 76, to appoint and remove an administrator, who may also be appointed an investigator and who shall be responsible for the operations and activities of the staff. The administrator may hire and remove hearing officers, investigators, and clerical or other assistants as its business may from time to time require, prescribe their duties and fix their compensation, and engage the services of experts and persons engaged in the practice of a profession, if deemed expedient. Every investigator, within the scope of the investigator's duties, shall have the powers of a police officer;

(6) To limit the number of licenses of any class or kind within the county, or the number of licenses of any class or kind to do business in any given locality, when in the judgment of the commission such limitations are in the public interest;

(7) To prescribe the nature of the proof to be furnished, the notices to be given, and the conditions to be met or observed in case of the issuance of a duplicate license in place of one alleged to have been lost or destroyed, including a requirement of any indemnity deemed appropriate to the case;

(8) To fix the hours between which licensed premises of any class or classes may regularly be open for the transaction of business, which shall be uniform throughout the county as to each class respectively;

(9) To prescribe all forms to be used for the purposes of this chapter not otherwise provided for in this chapter, and the character and manner of keeping of books, records, and accounts to be kept by licensees in any matter pertaining to their business;

(10) To investigate violations of this chapter and, notwithstanding any law to the contrary, violations of the applicable department of health's allowable noise levels, through its investigators or otherwise, to include covert operations, and to report violations to the prosecuting officer for prosecution where appropriate. Investigations of violations of chapter 244D shall be referred to the director of taxation to hear and determine complaints against any licensee;

(11) To prescribe, by rule, the terms, conditions, and circumstances under which persons or any class of persons may be employed by holders of licenses;

(12) To prescribe, by rule, the term of any license or solicitor's and representative's permit authorized by this chapter, the annual or prorated amount, the manner of payment of fees for the licenses and permits, and the amount of filing fees;

(13) To prescribe, by rule, regulations on dancing in licensed premises; and

(14) To prescribe, by rule, the circumstances and penalty for the unauthorized manufacturing or selling of any liquor.

(b) Subject only to this chapter, the commission or board and each member thereof shall have the same powers respecting the administering of oaths, compelling the attendance of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence, and examining the witnesses as are possessed by a circuit court, except that the commission or board and each member thereof shall not be bound by the strict legal rules of evidence. In addition, the commission or board shall have the power to require the production of, and to examine any books, papers, and records of any licensee which may pertain to the licensee's business under the license or which may pertain to a matter at a hearing before the commission or board or to an investigation by the commission or board.

The exercise by the commission or board of the power, authority, and discretion vested in it pursuant to this chapter shall be final and shall not be reviewable by or appealable to any court or tribunal, except as otherwise provided in this chapter or chapter 91. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §8; RL 1935, §2577; am L 1935, c 105, §§4, 5; am L 1937, c 211, §5; am L Sp 1941, c 41, §2; RL 1945, §7228; RL 1955, §159-16; am L 1961, c 92, §1; am L 1963, c 172, §2(e); am L 1965, c 31, §1(3) and c 96, §96; HRS §281-17; am L 1969, c 225, §1(a), (b); am L 1973, c 31, §21; am L 1985, c 109, §1; am L 1986, c 344, §13; am L 1987, c 223, §1; am L 1990, c 171, §6; am L 1998, c 249, §8; am L 2000, c 253, §150; am L 2002, c 111, §3; am L 2003, c 3, §8 and c 69, §4; am L 2009, c 184, §4; am L 2012, c 297, §§2, 4; am L 2015, c 136, §1; am L 2022, c 76, §4]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-53 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-53
Application; penalty for false statements.
Status: in_force

Every application for a license, the renewal of a license, or the transfer of a license shall be in writing, signed, and, except for the renewal of a license, notarized by the applicant, or in the case of a corporation or unincorporated association by the proper officer or officers thereof, or if a partnership by a general partner thereof, or if a limited liability partnership by a partner thereof, or if a member-managed limited liability company by a member thereof, or if a manager-managed limited liability company by a manager thereof, and shall be addressed to the liquor commission, and set forth:

(1) The full name, age, and place of residence of the applicant; if a copartnership, the names, ages, and respective places of residence of all the partners; if a limited liability company, its full name and the names of all its members; if a corporation or joint-stock company, its full name and the names of its officers and directors, and the names of all stockholders owning twenty-five per cent or more of the outstanding capital stock; if a publicly-traded company, or an entity ultimately solely owned by a publicly-traded company, the names of the officers designated as the primary decision-makers regarding the purchase and sale of liquor; and if any other association of individuals, the names, ages, and respective places of residence of its officers and the number of its members;

(2) A particular description of the place or premises where the proposed license is to be exercised, so that the exact location and extent thereof may be clearly and definitely determined therefrom;

(3) The class and kind of license applied for; and

(4) Any other matter or information pertinent to the subject matter, which may be required by the rules of the commission.

If any false statement is knowingly made in any application that is not verified by oath, the person or persons signing the application shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as provided in section 281-102. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §29; RL 1935, §2598; am L 1937, c 211, §14; RL 1945, §7250; RL 1955, §159-52; am L 1957, c 321, §1(f); am L 1959, c 100, §1; am L 1967, c 167, §1; HRS §281-53; am L 1972, c 177, §5; am L 1990, c 171, §15; am L 1998, c 90, §4; am L 2008, c 168, §11; am L 2016, c 12, §3; am L 2017, c 184, §4; am L 2022, c 76, §6; am L 2024, c 58, §1]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-108 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-108
Search warrants; seizure.
Status: in_force

If any person makes complaint, supported by oath, before any district or circuit judge, setting forth facts sufficient to show probable cause that any liquor is being manufactured or kept or deposited for sale or distribution contrary to law within the judge's jurisdiction in any house, premises, or place, or that any such liquor is lodged or contained in any vehicle for transportation by land, water, or air, the judge shall issue a warrant, directed to any sheriff, chief of police, police officer, or investigator, commanding the sheriff, chief of police, police officer, or investigator to search the premises, place, or vehicle described in the complaint. If any intoxicating liquor is found therein under circumstances warranting the belief of the officer that it is being manufactured or is intended for sale or distribution contrary to law, the officer acting under the warrant shall seize and convey the liquor and any land vehicle in which the same is found to some place of security and keep the same until final action is had thereon. When, in case of any entry, it is found that liquor is there being manufactured contrary to this chapter the officer may likewise seize and convey the same to some place of security and keep it until final action is had thereon. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §67; RL 1935, §2635; RL 1945, §7287; RL 1955, §159-105; HRS §281-108; am L 1970, c 188, §39; gen ch 1985; am L 1989, c 211, §10; am L 1990, c 171, §35 and c 281, §11]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-17.5 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-17.5
Fees; justified, method of change, limitation.
Status: in_force

(a) Any liquor license fee or any increase in an existing liquor license fee sought to be implemented by any commission shall have, as its justification, a direct and proportionate relationship to costs and expenses of the commission in its control, supervision, or regulation of the manufacture, importation, and sale of liquors, or otherwise directly relate to actual costs and expenses of administration of the commission as is set forth in this chapter.

(b) Any such liquor license fees or any moneys collected or received by any liquor commission under this chapter may only be used for costs and expenses directly relating to operational and administrative costs actually incurred by the liquor commission collecting or receiving such liquor license fees or moneys. Such fees or moneys shall not be used for any costs or expenses other than those directly relating to its operation and administration, except as otherwise provided by law.

(c) Any increase in the liquor license fee structure shall only be initiated by the liquor commission seeking the change with the approval of the county's legislative body and mayor.

(d) Any liquor commission seeking a change in liquor license fee structure shall notify all licensees under this chapter affected by the change of the proposed change and shall notify each such licensee of the outcome and resolution of the change.

(e) Any liquor commission which currently receives a license fee from a licensee in excess of the amount prescribed by this section shall immediately revise its liquor license fee structure to conform with the requirements of this section. Any funds in excess of twenty per cent of the commission's current budget shall be returned or credited annually to existing licensees. [L 1980, c 304, §2; am L 1987, c 252, §2; am L 1996, c 96, §1; am L 1997, c 5, §1; am L 2008, c 168, §3]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-16 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-16
County liquor commission and liquor control adjudication board funds; disposition of realization; payment of expenses.
Status: in_force

All fees and other moneys collected or received by each liquor commission or liquor control adjudication board under this chapter shall be paid not less than weekly into the general fund of the respective county or a special fund as provided by ordinance. All expenses of the commission or board, including any expenses and compensation of its members and expenses and salaries of its subordinates, shall be paid in the manner provided by ordinance. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §19; RL 1935, §2588; am L 1937, c 211, §11; RL 1945, §7240; RL 1955, §159-15; am L 1959, c 265, §9(d); am L 1963, c 78, §1 and c 172, §2(d); HRS §281-16; am L 1981, c 108, §1; am L 1998, c 249, §7]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-57 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-57
Preliminary hearing; notice of public hearing.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon the filing of the investigator's report upon any application the liquor commission may hold a preliminary hearing and upon such preliminary hearing it may deny the application. A notice of preliminary hearing on a previously denied, refused, or withdrawn application shall be given seven days before the preliminary hearing to any person who submitted a written request for notice.

(b) If no preliminary hearing is had or if the application is not denied upon a preliminary hearing, the commission shall fix a day for the public hearing of the application (other than an application for an alcohol license or a license in classes 8 to 10 and 13) and shall give public notice of the hearing at least once in each of two consecutive weeks, in the county, the date of the hearing to be not less than forty-five days after the first notice. The notice shall require that all protests or objections against the issuance of the license applied for shall be filed with the administrator of the commission at or before the time of hearing. Before giving the notice the commission shall collect from the applicant the cost of giving the public notice or require a deposit to cover the same.

(c) Immediately upon the commission's fixing a day for the public hearing of the application, the applicant shall mail a notice setting forth the time and place of the hearing on the application to each of the following:

(1) Not less than two-thirds of the owners and lessees of record of real estate and owners of record of shares in a cooperative apartment or to those individuals on the list of owners as provided by the managing agent or governing body of the shareholders association situated within a distance of five hundred feet from the nearest point of the premises for which the license is asked to the nearest point of such real estate or cooperative apartment; provided that in meeting this requirement, the applicant shall mail a notice to not less than three-fourths of the owners and lessees of record of real estate and owners of record of shares in a cooperative apartment situated within a distance of one hundred feet from the nearest point of the premises for which the license is asked. Notice by mail may be addressed to the last known address of the person concerned or to the address as shown in the current real property tax record of the person or the person's agent or representative;

(2) In counties with a population of five hundred thousand or more, not less than two-thirds of the registered voters residing within, and small businesses situated within, a distance of five hundred feet from the nearest point of the premises for which the license is asked; provided that in meeting this requirement, the applicant shall mail notices to not less than three-fourths of the registered voters residing within, and small businesses situated within, a distance of one hundred feet from the nearest point of the premises for which the license is asked. This paragraph shall not apply to applications for class 2, class 4, class 12, and class 15 licenses. A notice sent pursuant to this paragraph shall be addressed to the "occupant" of the residential unit or small business; and

(3) For each condominium project and cooperative apartment within the five hundred-foot area, one notice of the hearing shall be sent by mail addressed "To the Residents, Care of the Manager", followed by the name and address of the condominium or cooperative apartment involved.

The notices required under this subsection shall be mailed at least forty-five days prior to the date set for the hearing. No promotional information shall be allowed on, or accompany the notice. Before the hearing, and within seven business days of having mailed the notices, the applicant shall file with the commission an affidavit that the notices have been mailed in compliance with this subsection. In addition to the affidavit (which shall be made available within the same seven-business-day period with proof of having mailed the notices), the applicant shall include both a master list of one hundred per cent of addressees and addresses required by paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), and another mailing list consisting of the portion of addressees and their respective addresses who were mailed the notice purposely needed to meet the requirements of paragraphs (1), (2), and (3). The affidavit, master list, and mailing list shall be made available within seven business days (of the mailing of the notice by the applicant) by the commission for public review upon request. For purposes of this section, "master list" means every owner and lessee who would otherwise be required to receive notice of the public hearing according to the requirement of paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), even if they were not actually included in the two-third or three-fourths requirement (as the case may be) of paragraph (1) or (2), and every condominium project and cooperative apartment qualifying in paragraph (3). When the requirements of this section have not been met, the commission may cancel the hearing or continue the public hearing subject to the provisions of this section.

(d) For purposes of this section, notice to one co-owner and one co-lessee of real estate shall be sufficient notice to all co-owners and all co-lessees of that real estate; and one notice is sufficient to an owner or lessee of multiple parcels; except that one notice shall be sent to each individual unit of a cooperative apartment as provided in this section. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §32; RL 1935, §2601; am L 1935, c 105, §11; RL 1945, §7253; RL 1955, §159-56; am L 1965, c 181, §1 and c 258, §1; HRS §281-57; am L 1975, c 55, §5; am L 1979, c 105, §27; am L 1980, c 256, §3; am L 1982, c 39, §1 and c 296, §1; am L 1984, c 123, §1 and c 269, §4; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 171, §18; am L 1994, c 227, §1; am L 1998, c 2, §83; am L 2001, c 257, §6; am L 2007, c 53, §6; am L 2008, c 168, §13; am L 2009, c 184, §9]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-42 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-42
Manufacturers and wholesale dealers, special restrictions.
Status: in_force

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person holding a manufacturer's license or a wholesale dealer's license to induce the purchases of a retail licensee by:

(1) Acquiring or holding any interest in any license of a retail licensee;

(2) Acquiring any interest in the real or personal property owned, occupied, or used by a retail licensee in the conduct of its business, unless the holding of the interest is permitted under the regulations of the liquor commission or a statement thereof has been filed with the commission and has not been disapproved by the commission;

(3) Furnishing, giving, renting, lending, or selling to a retail licensee any equipment, fixtures, signs, supplies, money, services, or other thing of value, subject to the exceptions contained in subpart D of the "tied house" regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of the United States Treasury Department, [title] 27 Code of Federal Regulations part 6 (1988), as may be amended;

(4) Paying or crediting a retail licensee for any advertising, display, or distribution service, whether or not the advertising, display, or distribution service received is commensurate with the amount paid by the retail licensee; provided that this paragraph shall not prohibit representatives of manufacturers and wholesalers from creating and maintaining displays and point of purchase sales materials, or from stocking shelves and cold boxes;

(5) Guaranteeing any loan or the repayment of any financial obligation of a retail licensee;

(6) Extending credit to the retail licensee for a period of time in excess of thirty days from the date of invoice;

(7) Requiring a retail licensee to take and dispose of any quota of liquor; or

(8) Requiring a retail licensee to purchase one product in order to purchase another product. This includes combination sales if one or more products may be purchased only in combination with other products and not individually; provided that a manufacturer or wholesale dealer shall not be prohibited from selling at a special combination price, two or more kinds or brands of products to a retail licensee if:

(A) The retail licensee has an option of purchasing either product at the usual price; and

(B) The retail licensee is not required to purchase any product it does not want.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person holding a manufacturer's or wholesale dealer's license:

(1) To sell any liquor at wholesale prices without invoicing the vendee's license number, except where the vendee, although authorized to resell, is not required by law to hold a license, in which case the invoice shall fully indicate the vendee's identity; or

(2) To sell any liquor, except for cash or by receiving payment in advance of delivery, to any retail licensee who has not paid in full for all previous purchases of liquor from such manufacturer or wholesaler by the expiration of the thirtieth day from the date of the invoice for such liquor.

(c) In construing subsection (a), the courts and the liquor commission shall follow the rules, regulations, and decisions of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of the United States Treasury Department and the federal courts in interpreting section 5(b) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, as the same may be changed from time to time. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §24; RL 1935, §2593; am L 1937, c 211, §12; am L 1939, c 205, pt of §1; RL 1945, §7245; am L 1949, c 301, §1(d); am L 1951, c 223, §1(5); RL 1955, §159-42; HRS §281-42; am L 1971, c 175, §1; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 171, §13; am L 2020, c 70, §25]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-114 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-114
Appeals.
Status: in_force

An appeal shall be allowed to any claimant of property or liquor seized as aforesaid from the judgment of the court in the same manner as appeals are allowed in other cases before such tribunals. If the claimant fails to appear and prosecute diligently the claimant's appeal, or fails to secure a reversal of the judgment in the appellate court, the judgment appealed from shall be carried out. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §73; RL 1935, §2642; RL 1945, §7293; RL 1955, §159-111; HRS §281-114; am L 1970, c 188, §39; gen ch 1985]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-12 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-12
Commission and board office.
Status: in_force

The council of each county shall furnish the liquor commission and the liquor control adjudication board of the county suitable quarters for its meetings, the transaction of its business, and the keeping of its records. The office of the commission and board shall at all times be open for the transaction of its business during its prescribed business hours. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §4; RL 1935, §2573; RL 1945, §7224; RL 1955, §159-11; HRS §281-12; am L 1998, c 249, §4]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-107 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-107
Presumptive evidence.
Status: in_force

In any prosecution under this chapter, the fact that any person engaged in any kind of business holds or is required to hold, a license from the government of the United States to manufacture or sell intoxicating liquors or that the person has or keeps in or about the person's place of business or is required to have or keep in or about the person's place of business, a receipt or a stamp showing payment of a special tax levied under the laws of the United States upon the business of manufacturing or selling intoxicating liquors shall be held and deemed competent evidence that such person is manufacturing or selling such liquors or is keeping the same for sale. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §66; RL 1935, §2634; RL 1945, §7286; RL 1955, §159-104; HRS §281-107; gen ch 1985; am L 1987, c 144, §1]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-33.8 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-33.8
[ §281-33.
Status: in_force

[ §281-33.8] Reporting of shipments by carriers. (a) Notwithstanding section 281-33, any express carrier company, common or contract carrier, except water carriers as defined and regulated by the Surface Transportation Board of the United States, or other person that transports liquor from outside the State for delivery in the State to any person, except those having a class 1 manufacturer license or class 3 wholesale dealer license, shall prepare and file a monthly report with the liquor commission or liquor control adjudication board of each county. The report shall contain the following information:

(1) The known wine, beer, alcohol, or other liquor shipments made statewide containing the name of the express carrier company, common or contract carrier, or other person making the report;

(2) The period of time covered by the report;

(3) The name and business address of the consignor of the wine, beer, alcohol, or other liquor;

(4) The name and address of each consignee of the wine, beer, alcohol, or other liquor;

(5) The weight of the package delivered to each consignee;

(6) A unique tracking number; and

(7) The date of each delivery.

(b) Reports received by a county liquor commission or liquor control adjudication board under this section shall be subject to chapter 92F.

(c) Any county liquor commission or liquor control adjudication board may provide reports received to any other department or agency.

(d) Upon written request of a county liquor commission or liquor control adjudication board, the information or records supporting the report shall be filed with the requesting liquor commission or liquor control adjudication board within thirty days. Any records containing information relating to reports shall be preserved for three years.

(e) The liquor commission or liquor control adjudication board in each county may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary to carry out the purposes of this section. [L 2021, c 85, §1]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-40 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-40
Unlicensed liquor.
Status: in_force

No licensee shall have or keep any liquor whatever, for sale or consumption, on or in connection with the licensee's licensed premises except as authorized by the licensee's license. Any unauthorized liquor found thereon shall be subject to summary seizure, confiscation, and forfeiture, and may be disposed of as hereinafter provided. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §22; RL 1935, §2591; RL 1945, §7243; RL 1955, §159-40; HRS §281-40; gen ch 1985]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-32.5 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-32.5
Permits for trade shows or other exhibitions.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, any trade exhibitor, trade organization or other exhibitor shall apply to the liquor commission or agency administrator for the issuance of a permit, without hearings, fees, notarizing of documents, submission of floor plans, and other requirements, to receive liquor from within or outside the State for display and sampling on a not-for-sale basis at trade exhibitions, shows or other exhibitions, subject to such terms and conditions as may be set by the commission.
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-109 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-109
Seizure without warrant.
Status: in_force

(a) If any investigator or police officer has information which causes the investigator or police officer to believe that liquor is kept or deposited in any place mentioned in section 281-108, except a dwelling house, or is kept or concealed in any conveyance, container, baggage, or clothing which is in course of transportation along any highway, for sale or distribution contrary to law, and if the investigator or police officer has reason to believe that the delay which would be necessitated by the procurement of a search warrant would result in the loss, destruction, or concealment of the evidence of the violation of law, the investigator or police officer may forthwith, without such warrant, search the suspected place, vehicle, or container; and if the investigator or police officer there finds liquor and other evidence under circumstances warranting the belief that it is intended for sale or distribution contrary to law, the investigator or police officer shall seize and convey the same, including any vehicle in which the same is found, to some place of security, and keep the same until final action is had thereon. The investigator or police officer shall forthwith, after the seizure, make written complaint under oath, setting forth the facts before a judge having competent jurisdiction.

(b) Any evidence seized and conveyed may be kept until final action is had thereof. Should the introduction of a copy or picture of the seized evidence be permitted under the Hawaii rules of evidence, the original evidence may be returned to the appropriate party after such evidence is copied or photographed. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §68; RL 1935, §2636; RL 1945, §7288; RL 1955, §159-106; HRS §281-109; am L 1970, c 188, §39; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 171, §36]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-76 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-76
Tampering with samples; penalty.
Status: in_force

Any person who tampers with any sample of liquor taken for analysis under this chapter shall be fined not more than $2,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §42; RL 1935, §2611; RL 1945, §7264; RL 1955, §159-75; HRS §281-76; am L 1990, c 171, §23]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-21 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-21
Service of subpoenas by investigators, police officers, or other law enforcement officers; witnesses' fees.
Status: in_force

[(a)] Any investigator, police officer, or other law enforcement officer may serve any subpoena issued by the liquor commission, liquor control adjudication board, or administrator.

[(b)] Every witness attending or testifying at any hearing of the commission or board in response to a subpoena issued by it or the administrator shall be paid as provided for in section 621-7. If a witness is subpoenaed by direction of the commission, board, or administrator, the witness' fees shall be paid out of any funds which may be set aside for the expenses of the commission or board and, if the witness is subpoenaed on behalf of any interested party, the witness' fees shall be paid by that party. [L 1941, c 105, §1; RL 1945, §7231; RL 1955, §159-20; am L 1967, c 104, §1; HRS §281-21; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 171, §8; am L 1998, c 249, §10; am L 2008, c 168, §4]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-74 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-74
Labels on containers.
Status: in_force

All persons manufacturing any liquor for sale under this chapter shall securely and permanently attach to every container thereof, as the same is manufactured, a label stating the name of the manufacturer or, in lieu thereof, if the manufacturer does business under another name, stating such name, and stating the kind and quantity of liquor contained therein. Every container containing liquor for sale by any person holding a wholesale or retail license shall have securely and permanently attached to it such a label. In addition to the foregoing requirements, all such labels shall conform in all respects to the then existing federal laws and regulations regarding such labels.

Before attaching any label containing the name by which the manufacturer does business, in lieu of the manufacturer's name, the manufacturer shall first register such business name under chapter 482. The manufacturer shall furnish to the liquor commission written confirmation of such registration and such other information as may be deemed necessary or appropriate by the liquor commission to enable it to establish and maintain records to properly identify the manufacturer, its name or names by which it does business and the liquor manufactured. The records so established and maintained shall be available for public inspection. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §40; RL 1935, §2609; am L 1937, c 211, §18; RL 1945, §7262; RL 1955, §159-73; am L 1965, c 94, §1; HRS §281-74; gen ch 1985]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-79 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-79
Entry for examination; obstructing liquor commission operations; penalty.
Status: in_force

Every investigator shall, and any officer having police power may, at all reasonable times, and at any time whatsoever if there is any reasonable ground for suspicion that the conditions of any license are being violated, without warrant enter into and upon any licensed premises and inspect the same and every part thereof, and any books or records therein, to ascertain whether or not all conditions of the license and all provisions of this chapter are being complied with by the licensee.

If any investigator or officer, or any person called by the investigator or officer to the investigator's or officer's aid, is threatened with the use of violence, force, or physical interference or obstacle, or is hindered, obstructed, or prevented by any licensee, the licensee's employees, or any other person from entering into the premises, or whenever any investigator or officer is by any licensee, the licensee's employees, or any other person opposed, obstructed, or molested in the performance of the officer's duty in any respect, the licensee, the licensee's employee, or any other person shall be fined not more than $2,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

Whenever any investigator or officer, having demanded admittance into any licensed premises and declared the investigator's or officer's name and office, is not admitted by the licensee or the person in charge of the premises, it shall be lawful for the investigator or officer to forcibly and in any manner to break into and enter the premises. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §49; RL 1935, §2618; RL 1945, §7267; RL 1955, §159-78; HRS §281-79; gen ch 1985; am L 1986, c 344, §15; am L 1990, c 171, §26; am L 2022, c 76, §8]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-46 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-46
Pool buying.
Status: in_force

(a) No holder of a wholesale dealer's or manufacturer's license shall refuse to sell liquor to two or more licensees pursuant to any pool buying agreement between the licensees which has been filed with the commission having jurisdiction over the licensees; provided that:

(1) The pool buying agreement is in writing and designates one of the licensees as the agent of the others for the purpose of pool buying;

(2) Any order for pool buying from the holder of a manufacturer's or wholesale dealer's license shall be placed by the agent and payment for that order shall be made by the agent;

(3) The holder of a manufacturer's or wholesale dealer's license in selling to the agent shall follow invoice, record keeping, and delivery procedures which are in compliance with this chapter and the rules of the commission of each county having jurisdiction over the seller; and

(4) Each pool buying transaction shall be completed on the day transacted, and where the pool buying agreement is between or among licensees from different counties, the transaction shall be deemed completed when the product has been delivered to a freight forwarder, water carrier or private trucking firm for delivery to the licensees.

(b) As used in this section, "pool buying" means two or more licensees sharing the cost of a single purchase of liquor.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to exempt any licensee entering into any pool buying agreement from any antitrust laws. [L 1980, c 21, §1; am L 1983, c 229, §1]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-37 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-37
Sales of alcohol.
Status: in_force

No alcohol shall be sold, bartered, or otherwise furnished by any person whether holding a license to manufacture or sell the same under this chapter or not, except to a person holding a license to resell the same, or to a person holding a purchase permit from the liquor commission to purchase the same.

Permits to purchase alcohol may be issued by the commission, without fee or charge therefor, to any person holding a license under the laws of the State to sell poisonous drugs, or to any person who in the opinion of the commission requires the use thereof for pharmaceutical or other purposes in the bona fide treatment of patients of such person, or for rubbing, cleansing, or as a preservative, or for any bona fide scientific purpose, but in no case for use for beverage purposes.

On every sale of alcohol the seller, after first being satisfied that the person presenting a permit is the person therein named, shall make a record on the permit and sign the same showing the name of the purchaser, the date, the quantity sold, and the purpose declared as to the intended use thereof. The seller shall also keep a separate record of the same matters. If in any permit there is a prescribed limit as to the quantity purchasable thereunder at any one time or in the aggregate in any given period of time, the permit shall not be honored beyond its terms.

The commission, by rules and regulations, where deemed appropriate, may provide for the sale of alcohol upon prescriptions of duly licensed physicians in lieu of the permits above mentioned. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §17; RL 1935, §2586; RL 1945, §7238; RL 1955, §159-36; HRS §281-37; gen ch 1985; am L 1986, c 339, §29]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-33.1 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-33.1
Individual permits to receive shipments of liquor.
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, any unlicensed adult person may apply to the liquor commission and be issued, for a nominal fee, except as hereinafter provided, a permit to receive a single shipment of liquor from outside the State, not to exceed five gallons, (19 liters), for use and consumption by the applicant and the applicant's household and not for sale in any form.

(b) In the case of a shipment that the applicant shows is an unsolicited gift, the quantities permitted to be received under subsection (a) shall be limited to 3.2 gallons (12 liters) in total of all kinds of liquor.

(c) In the case of a shipment in respect of which the applicant shows to the liquor commission that the liquor was prior to the date of the application the personal property of the applicant, formed a part of the applicant's household goods, was used and stored outside the State, and was originally acquired (or made by the applicant) outside the State, the quantity of wine, or other liquor capable of aging and originating from grapes or other fruit, which shall be permitted to be received under subsection (a) may exceed the limit there stated if the commission finds that it is reasonable to do so consistent with the intent of this statute to allow persons taking up residency in the State the free movement of their household goods into this State.

(d) In the case of a shipment of wine or beer that is otherwise available in the State, the permit shall not be issued unless the applicant pays a fee equal to the tax that would be imposed by section 244D-4 upon the use of liquor having a wholesale price equal to the price paid or to be paid by the applicant for the wine or beer being shipped, and such fee shall be in lieu of the imposition by section 244D-4 of any tax upon the use of the wine or beer.

(e) Except in the case of applications meeting the requirements of subsection (b), (c), or (d), the permit shall not be issued unless the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the liquor commission that each of the brands to be brought in under the permit is otherwise unavailable in the State.

(f) No more than one permit may be issued pursuant to subsection (a) in respect of any one household in any calendar year, and each applicant shall be required to affirm, under penalty of perjury, that no member of the applicant's household has previously received such a permit in the applicable calendar year.

(g) All such applications and shipments shall be in accordance with regulations promulgated by the liquor commission.

(h) A common carrier to whom the permit is presented is authorized to make delivery of the described shipment to the person named in the permit. Delivery of such a shipment pursuant to the permit shall not be deemed to constitute a sale in this State.

(i) An unlicensed adult shall not be required to obtain a permit under this section to receive shipments of liquor pursuant to section 281-33.6. [L 1976, c 190, §2; am L 1984, c 269, §2; am L 1985, c 16, §10; gen ch 1985; am L 2003, c 153, §1; am L 2006, c 227, §2]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-45 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-45
No license issued, when.
Status: in_force

No license shall be issued under this chapter:

(1) To any minor or to any person who has been convicted of a felony and not pardoned; provided that the commission may grant a license under this chapter to a corporation or limited liability company that has been convicted of a felony where the commission finds that the corporation's officers, directors, and shareholders of twenty-five per cent or more of outstanding stock meet the statutory requirements to hold a license;

(2) To a corporation the officers and directors of which, or any of them, would be disqualified under paragraph (1) from obtaining the license individually, or a stockholder of which, owning or controlling twenty-five per cent or more of the outstanding capital stock, or to a general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, or limited liability company whose partner or member holding twenty-five per cent or more interest of which, or any of them would be disqualified under paragraph (1) from obtaining the license individually; provided that for publicly-traded corporations and limited liability companies or corporations or limited liability companies ultimately solely owned by a publicly-traded company, only the officers, directors, managers, or members designated as primary decision-makers shall be considered to determine disqualification under paragraph (1);

(3) Unless the applicant for a license or a renewal of a license, or in the case of a transfer of a license, both the transferor and the transferee, present to the issuing agency a tax clearance certificate from the department of taxation showing that the applicant or the transferor and transferee do not owe the state government any delinquent taxes, penalties, or interest; or that the applicant, or in the case of a transfer of a license, the transferor or transferee, has entered into an installment plan agreement with the department of taxation for the payment of delinquent taxes in installments and that the applicant is or the transferor or transferee is, in the case of a transfer of a license, complying with the installment plan agreement; provided that when the applicant or the transferor or transferee, in the case of a transfer of a license, is validly challenging a tax assessment, penalty, or other proceeding that prevents the issuance of a signed certificate from the appropriate federal or state tax agency, the commission shall issue a license that is valid for the period of time necessary to resolve the challenge;

(4) To an applicant for a class 2, class 4 except for convenience minimarts, class 5, class 6, class 11, class 12, class 13, class 14, class 15, class 17, or class 18 license unless the applicant for issuance of a license or renewal of a license, or in the case of a transfer of a license, both the transferor and the transferee, present to the issuing agency proof of liquor liability insurance coverage in an amount of $1,000,000; or

(5) To any applicant who has had any liquor license revoked less than two years previous to the date of the application for any like or other license under this chapter. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §26; RL 1935, §2595; RL 1945, §7247; RL 1955, §159-45; am L 1957, c 293, §1 and c 321, §1(e); am L 1965, c 121, §1; HRS §281-45; am L 1982, c 65, §1; am L 1985, c 155, §2; am L 1987, c 223, §2; am L 1990, c 171, §14; am L 1991, c 101, §1; am L 2008, c 168, §9; am L 2009, c 177, §2 and c 184, §8; am L 2010, c 198, §3; am L 2014, c 211, §5; am L 2016, c 12, §2; am L 2017, c 184, §3; am L 2018, c 25, §1; am L 2021, c 66, §2]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-55 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-55
Reference to investigator.
Status: in_force

Upon the filing of any application the administrator of the liquor commission shall indorse thereon the date of filing thereof. If no patent disqualification of the applicant or certain valid objection to the granting of the application is apparent initially and if all requirements relative to the filing of the application appear to have been complied with, the application shall be referred to the investigator for investigation. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §30; RL 1935, §2599; RL 1945, §7251; RL 1955, §159-54; HRS §281-55; am L 1975, c 55, §3; am L 1990, c 171, §16]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-92 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-92
Appeals.
Status: in_force

Any licensee aggrieved by any order assessing or providing for the collection of a penalty, or by any order suspending or revoking any license, may appeal therefrom in the manner provided in chapter 91 to the circuit court of the circuit in which the liquor commission or liquor control adjudication board making the order has jurisdiction and the judgment of the court shall be subject to review, subject to chapter 602, in the manner provided for civil appeals from the circuit courts. [L Sp 1941, c 41, §1; RL 1945, §7276; am L 1951, c 280, §1; RL 1955, §159-91; am L 1965, c 96, §99; HRS §281-92; am L 1979, c 149, §2; am L 1980, c 232, §11; am L 1998, c 249, §13; am L 2004, c 202, §35; am L 2006, c 94, §1; am L 2010, c 109, §1]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-62 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-62
Reduction or increase in area of licensed premises.
Status: in_force

The liquor commission may, in its discretion, permit the reduction or the increase in the area of the licensed premises of any licensee without publication of notice at a public hearing; provided that, where an increase in premises may significantly impact the public, the commission may require hearings pursuant to sections 281-39.5 and 281-57 to 281-60. Whenever any reduction or increase is permitted, the same shall be endorsed in some appropriate manner upon the license.
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-61 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-61
Renewals.
Status: in_force

(a) Other than for good cause, the renewal of an existing license shall be granted upon the filing of an application; provided that if:

(1) Complaints from the public;

(2) Reports from the commission's investigators; or

(3) Adjudications of the commission or the liquor control adjudication board,

indicate that noise created by patrons departing from the premises disturbs residents on the street or of the neighborhood in which the premises are located, or that noise from the premises or adjacent related outdoor areas such as parking lots or lanais exceed standards contained in state or county noise codes or intrudes into nearby residential units, the commission may deny the renewal application or withhold the issuance of a renewed license until corrective measures meeting the commission's approval are taken.

(b) The commission or board, pursuant to section 281-17, at the time of renewal or at any time, may revoke, suspend, or place conditions or restrictions on any license issued under this chapter for the purpose of preventing activities within the licensed premises or adjacent areas that are potentially injurious to the health, safety, and welfare of the public and neighborhood including but not limited to criminal activity, including assault, drug dealing, drug use, or prostitution, upon proper notice to the licensee, and a hearing before the commission pursuant to chapter 91.

(c) The commission or board shall deny renewal of a class 2, class 4, class 5, class 6, class 11, class 12, class 13, class 14, class 15, class 17, or class 18 license if the applicant for renewal fails to present proof of the liquor liability insurance required by section 281-31(s). [L Sp 1933, c 40, §36; RL 1935, §2605; am L 1935, c 105, §12; am L 1937, c 211, §16; am L 1939, c 205, pt of §1; am L Sp 1941, c 89, §1(c); RL 1945, §7257; RL 1955, §159-60; HRS §281-61; am L 1975, c 55, §6; am L 1987, c 256, §1; am L 1990, c 171, §21; am L 1995, c 192, §1; am L 1999, c 39, §1; am L 2008, c 168, §16; am L 2009, c 177, §3; am L 2010, c 198, §4; am L 2014, c 211, §6]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-52 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-52
Public hearing.
Status: in_force

No license shall be granted except after a public hearing by the liquor commission upon notice as prescribed in this chapter; provided that sections 281-57 to 281-60 shall not apply to the holder of a restaurant general license, a wholesale general license, a retail general license, or a dispenser's general license, who applies for a different kind of license within the class of the holder's existing license, on the same premises, or to the holder of a cabaret license who applies for a dispenser license of any kind, on the same premises, or to the holder of a dispenser's beer and wine license who applies for dispenser's beer license, on the same premises, or to a licensee whose licensed premises have been demolished and replaced by another building on the same premises and who applies for the same or lesser kind of the same class of liquor license previously held by the licensee on said premises. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §28; RL 1935, §2597; am L 1939, c 205, pt of §1; RL 1945, §7249; RL 1955, §159-51; am L 1967, c 62, §1; HRS §281-52; am L 1969, c 197, §1; am L 1972, c 149, §1; gen ch 1985; am L 2008, c 168, §10]
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 281-94 — HI Code / Division 1 / Title 16 / Chapter 281 / Section 281-94
Forfeiture of fee paid.
Status: in_force

If any license is revoked or canceled by the liquor commission or liquor control adjudication board, the fee paid for the license or any unexpended portion thereof shall be forfeited to the county. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §57; RL 1935, §2626; RL 1945, §7278; RL 1955, §159-93; HRS §281-94; am L 1998, c 249, §15; am L 2006, c 44, §3]