Posted on: Friday, May 31, 2002

Opponents fail to halt liquor sales at Makapu'u wedding chapel

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

A Makapu'u wedding chapel's request for a liquor license was granted yesterday, but not before accusations were made that the Honolulu Liquor Commission was ignoring the concerns of the Waimanalo community.

Gloria Bridal Services sought the license to sell alcoholic beverages at its St. Catalina Seaside chapel, which is next to Sea Life Park. Drinks would be primarily for wedding toasts, but could also be served at small receptions.

But many Waimanalo residents objected to the license, saying the consumption of alcohol would jeopardize their health and safety. The residents said Sea Life Park already has a liquor license and they did not want to see another liquor establishment in the area.

At its April 4 meeting, the commission was deadlocked 2-2 and was unable to either approve or deny the license. The city's attorney said that under state law, the license would be automatically be approved after 15 days because of the panel's failure to take action on the matter.

Waimanalo Neighborhood Board chairman Wilson Ho won an extension to the 15-day period so a second interpretation of the default law could be made. But no second opinion was presented to the commission yesterday and Ho's request for another extension was denied. Thus, the license was automatically approved.

That brought angry words from several Waimanalo residents who opposed the license. Andrew Jamila Jr. accused the commission of having "no idea what is good for the community."

"I had true faith in the due process that if a community felt so strong about not having alcohol establishments in their area, then the commission would be there to listen and make a sound accountable decision regarding the community's input," Jamila said. "But this is truly not the case here."

Commissioner Chu Lan Kwock denied the allegation and said the members do listen to the concerns.

"We listen and then each of us has our own personal opinion," Kwock said. "We're very different people with different opinions and that's the democratic process."

Waimanalo residents have the right to appeal the license approval to the Circuit Court. Ho said he doesn't know of anyone who can afford a court fight, but he wouldn't rule one out.