Wakiki club regains its liquor license

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Honolulu Liquor Commission yesterday agreed to reinstate the liquor license of a controversial Waikiki nightclub.

Four 78 'Ena, formerly known as Evolution Waikiki, lost its liquor license in May 2001 after neighbors persuaded the commissioners to deny the club's request for a license renewal. Neighbors complained of loud music, fights, foul language and drug use.

In July 2000, 29-year-old night club promoter Carlos Carrillo disappeared following a fight over a woman with a nightclub bouncer. An extensive search for Carrillo turned up few clues and no charges have been filed in the case.

The commission denied owner Katie Russell's renewal request. Russell appealed and last summer Circuit Judge Eden Elizabeth Hifo overturned the decision and ordered it to hold a new hearing. Mark Kawata, Russell's attorney, said the club has been operating on a limited basis since August.

Kawata said the club's problems occurred when the building was leased to outside groups, but Russell has taken control of the day-to-day operations and there have been no complaints. Kawata and the commission reached a conditional agreement to restore the license until June 30, 2003.