Posted on: Thursday, June 13, 2002
Liquor license foes seek full probe
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
WAIMANALO — Waimanalo residents who opposed the default granting of a liquor license to Gloria Bridal Services' wedding chapel in Makapu'u are backing a request to seek an investigation by the U.S. attorney and a Circuit Court ruling on the issue.
Ten Waimanalo residents held a news conference at the entrance to Sea Life Park and the chapel yesterday morning to support a letter requesting that the U.S. attorney's office expand its investigation of Honolulu Liquor Commission inspectors to include the entire commission or to open a new investigation into the commission.
Last month a federal grand jury indicted eight current and retired Honolulu Liquor Commission inspectors, charging them with taking bribes from hostess bars.
The U.S. attorney's staff said the investigation of the Liquor Commission inspectors is ongoing and thus could not comment on it. Wallace Weatherwax, commission administrator, is traveling on the Mainland and could not be reached for comment.
The Honolulu Liquor Commission is setting a bad precedent by allowing a liquor license to be issued to Gloria Bridal Services by default, said Jim Andrews, a Waimanalo resident who is making the request.
The commission had voted 2-2 on the request for a liquor license. Three votes were needed to carry a motion — but under state law, if no action is taken on an application, it is automatically approved.
Wilson Ho, Waimanalo Neighborhood Board chairman, said the community was frustrated and disappointed that the commission couldn't reach a decision, thereby triggering the law that favors the applicant.
"We lost to a law that gives us no voice," Ho said.
Eve Anderson, a longtime Waimanalo resident, called for a change to the commission's procedures.
"I think the way the Liquor Commission works is wrong," Anderson said, calling for a fresh look "at the rules they operate under."
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
