Bill > HB829

This bill modifies Hawaii's existing liquor licensing law to exempt officers, directors, and board members of nonprofit organizations from criminal history record check requirements when applying for a liquor license. Currently, county liquor commissions can request criminal history checks for license applicants, but the bill adds nonprofit organization leaders to the existing exemption that already applies to officers and directors of publicly-traded companies. The criminal history check typically requires applicants to disclose any convictions that might suggest they are unsuited to obtain a liquor license. By exempting nonprofit organization leaders who are not primary decision-makers regarding liquor sales, the bill reduces administrative burden for these organizations while still maintaining the overall intent of screening potential liquor license holders for criminal history. The bill will take effect immediately upon approval, and it represents a targeted modification to existing statute 281-53.5 regarding criminal history record checks for liquor license applicants.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=829&year=2026