Panel postpones decision on wedding-chapel liquor

Advertiser Staff

The Honolulu Liquor Commission postponed action Thursday on a license request from a Makapu'u wedding chapel after the panel was unable to reach a majority vote.

Gloria Bridal Services is seeking a restaurant general license to sell alcohol at its commercial wedding chapel next to Sea Life Park. The matter likely will be continued at the commission's meeting next Thursday.

The company withdrew a similar application in December 2000 because of community opposition. But Gloria Bridal attorney Wayne Luke told the commission Thursday that his client addressed the primary concern of the Waimanalo community and therefore has reapplied for a license.

He said the community complained that the chapel was an eyesore and that Gloria Bridal officials had promised that the structure would be hidden from view.

Luke said trees and other landscaping were added so that the chapel no longer stands out.

Luke added that Gloria Bridal is hoping the license will attract more business because the operation has suffered since Sept. 11. Gloria Bridal caters primarily to couples from Japan.

But Waimanalo Neighborhood Board chairman Wilson Ho testified that nothing has changed at the chapel since the last application.

He said the commission requires a "significant change" in circumstances before it will reconsider an application.

"As I turn the corner on the Makapu'u Lookout, I can see the chapel, plain as day," Ho said. "There are a few coconut trees, but the landscaping does not hide the chapel at all. It's still an eyesore in our community."

Ho's wife, Rosina, testified that the chapel offers "no value to the community or to the residents who live here."

"Just another person on the road that's had liquor in them is of no value to me as a parent," she said.

A motion was made by commissioner Orlando Soriano to deny the application.

But only he and commissioner Clyde Eugenio voted for the motion, which required a majority of three to pass.

Chu Lan Kwock voted against the motion, while chairman John Spierling recused himself. Dennis Enomoto was absent from the hearing.

The application is expected to be discussed next week.