Public hearing Sept. 24 for proposed amendments to Liquor Control

Published on August 21, 2025

LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Liquor Control Commission will hold a public hearing to receive testimony on proposed amendments to its Rules & Regulations on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in the Office of Boards and Commissions, 4444 Rice Street, Suite 300, Līhu‘e.

The amendments update and clarify existing provisions, repeal certain restrictions, and align the rules with current State law and industry practices.

Notable proposed changes include:

• Rule 4.7(b) – Gross liquor sales report, percentage fee, and records – Changes percentage fee due date from October 30 to October 31.
• Rule 4.7(c) – Gross liquor sales report, percentage fee, and records – Changes the date from September 30 to October 31 for licensees who pay their annual percentage fee in installments.
• Rule 5.1(c) – Terms of licenses and permits – Adds “except for good cause” to allow for extensions being granted after 180 days after application approval.
• Rule 7.5(b) – Music, dancing, and entertainment, exception – Removes “who is not less than eighteen years of age” from impromptu entertainment (Karaoke).
•  Rule 7.13 – Fight and disturbance reports – Removes “or emergency medical services personnel are” and adds “is.”
• Rule 7.15(c) – Practices that promote excessive consumption of liquor prohibited – Adds “This paragraph shall not apply to private functions for which a hosted bar is utilized, such as wedding receptions, or public functions such as luau and brunches where liquor is inclusive, or other similar events where liquor service is incidental to food service.”

The Rules & Regulations can be viewed at the Līhu‘e Civic Center, Mo‘ikeha Building, Suite 120, during regular business hours. Copies may also be requested by calling 808-241-4967 or emailing mkelekoma@kauai.gov.

Interested persons may submit written testimony to the Commission before the hearing or present comments in person on Sept. 24.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact the Department of Liquor Control at 808-241-4967 or email mkelekoma@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

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