Bill > SB62

This bill addresses concerns about liquor sales and consumption at temporary events in public spaces, particularly in Honolulu's Chinatown area, by amending existing liquor licensing regulations. The bill requires that temporary liquor licenses, whether granted to businesses or nonprofit organizations, restrict alcohol sales and consumption to confined and clearly marked areas that are not located on public roads, streets, sidewalks, or pedestrian walkways. The legislation aims to mitigate problems such as noise, parking issues, and disruptions caused by events that close public spaces. For temporary licenses, the bill maintains existing provisions about license duration (up to 120 days, potentially renewable) and allows for simplified requirements for nonprofit fundraising events, while adding the new stipulation about demarcated liquor service areas. Specifically, the bill modifies Section 281-32 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to explicitly state that temporary licensees must create designated, controlled spaces for liquor sales that do not impede public thoroughfares, thus addressing community concerns about the impact of such events on local residents, businesses, and public infrastructure.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=62&year=2026