Settlements in liquor board cases approved

By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer

The City Council yesterday approved settlements of two lawsuits that will require special training for Honolulu Liquor Commission investigators to prevent discrimination against women and gays.

The state and federal suits were filed in 2002 by Carla J. Chu, who was the agency's only female investigator. She alleged that male investigators repeatedly harassed her because of her gender and sexual orientation, and that the agency failed to stop the problems.

The settlements require the city and its insurer to pay $250,000 to Chu, and for the Liquor Commission staff to undergo annual training meant to prevent discrimination.

The commission regulates strip clubs, hostess bars, and other establishments that serve alcohol. Attorney Emlyn Higa said the training could make the agency more professional and open to women.

"It's not meant to be punitive, but to educate them, and to really change the culture of the Liquor Commission so that it's not just some boys club," Higa said.

All council members voted for the settlements except Charles Djou, who said sweeping changes are needed at the agency to prevent more lawsuits. The council can approve the appointment of liquor commissioners and any changes to fees, but has no power to enact major reforms, Djou said.

The Hawai'i State Association of Counties proposed a bill this year that would allow each county to adopt its own liquor enforcement laws rather than work within the framework created by state law.

But lawmakers shelved the proposal after liquor distributors raised objections. No major structural changes are likely in the near future.

Reach Johnny Brannon at 525-8070 or at jbrannon@honoluluadvertiser.com.