Episode 45: New commissioners at the Honolulu Liquor Commission and Bill 28 (NARCAN)

This week, Sal Petilos, Administrator for the Honolulu Liquor Commission, joins host Brandi Higa on the One O’ahu Podcast to discuss what it means to have five commissioners on the Honolulu Liquor Commission, his goal to improve operations and streamline processes within his agency, and what licensees need to know about Bill 28 (2023), CD1 (NARCAN) which is effective Jan. 1, 2024.

Listen Now:

A full Commission

On Dec. 6, 2023, Lisa Martin, who was appointed to the Honolulu Liquor Commission by Mayor Rick Blangiardi, was confirmed by the Honolulu City Council. Lisa Martin filled the vacancy created by the resignation of Seth Buckley and will serve for the remainder of a term expiring on Dec. 31, 2025. In November, two other commissioners appointed by Mayor Blangiardi, in Joe Bock and Kevin Sakamoto, were also sworn in. Commissioner Bock will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Malama Minn and serve for the remainder of a term expiring on Dec. 31, 2024, while commissioner Sakamoto will serve for a term expiring on Dec. 31, 2027.

“We’re hoping that the Commission will be able to meet more consistently, and they’re scheduled to meet once every week,” said Sal Petilos.  

The Honolulu Liquor Commission meets on Thursdays. For the full meeting schedule, visit https://www.honolulu.gov/liq/default.html

Streamlining processes

An internal system review of the Honolulu Liquor Commission was completed in June 2023. Sal Petilos calls it a roadmap for his agency to be on better footing organizationally.

“Long-term we’re trying to do a reorganization of the agency to address two things,” explained Administrator Petilos. He goes on to explain that the first area of improvement is to identify if there are resource deficiencies, so that resources can be allocated into those areas. The second is to provide upward mobility for personnel.

To combat some of speed bumps applicants are experiencing, Petilos also encourages those applying for licenses to submit applications as soon as possible and to make sure they have all the proper documentation.

Bill 28 relating to Narcan

Effective January 1, 2024, Bill 28 (2023), CD1 requires NARCAN®/Naloxone HCI, the opioid-reversal medication, to be carried at on-premises liquor-licensed establishments of the following classes under state law (Included Businesses):

· Class 2:  Restaurant license

· Class 5:  Dispenser license

· Class 9:  Tour or cruise vessel license

· Class 11:  Cabaret license

· Class 14:  Brewpub license

· Class 18:  Small craft producer pub license

As of the recording of this podcast, free kits are still available for eligible businesses at the Honolulu Liquor Commission.

More information can be found at: https://www.honolulu.gov/cms-bfs-liq-menu/site-bfs-liq-sitearticles/54307-narcan.html#narcan