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Bill

GM 1206

Informing the Legislature that on June 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2835 SD1 HD2 CD1 (ACT 106).

2026 Regular Session

Hawaii acts to streamline Maui Class 10 temporary liquor licenses (up to 3 days) for fundraising, cutting hearings and fees while expanding education/enforcement funding from fines

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Bill Summary · GM 1206

Bill Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Hawaii
  • Session: 2026
  • Bill: SB 2835 SD1 HD2 CD1 (ACT 106)
  • Purpose: To reform certain aspects of the Class 10 temporary liquor license in Maui County and to expand funding for public liquor-related educational and enforcement programs.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • Address oppressive and duplicative requirements in Maui County for Class 10 special licenses (temporary liquor licenses for fundraising events).
  • Streamline and expand the application process for class 10 licenses to reduce fundraising costs while preserving public safety.
  • Increase the portion of liquor-fines that counties can use to fund public liquor-related education and enforcement.

Key Provisions and Changes

Part I: Reform of Class 10 Temporary Licenses (Maui County)

  • Establishes that Class 10 licenses may be granted for up to three days per application.
  • Allows certain fundraising events by nonprofit organizations, political candidates, and political parties to be approved by the administrator (without the full set of usual hearings, fees, notarizations, and other clearances).
  • Clarifies permitted license types under Class 10 (General liquor, Beer and wine, and Beer) and that liquors are consumed on-premises unless otherwise allowed.
  • Expands electronic submission options:
    • Applications may be submitted electronically.
    • Electronic signatures may satisfy handwritten signature requirements.
    • Applications may cover two or more adjacent parcels owned by the same entity.
  • Removes dependence on other county approvals/clearances not expressly required by the statute.
  • Specifies that the license for a fundraising event may include live or silent auctions of liquor in sealed or covered containers (or services that provide liquor).
  • Waives certain requirements: hearings, fees, notarizations, floor plans, and other governmental clearances for Class 10 licenses.
  • Allows the inclusion of proof of liquor liability insurance and a current list of officers/directors for nonprofits, if applicable.
  • Provides streamlined conditions for electronic submissions and multi-parcel events in Maui County (only for counties with populations in a defined range: more than 100,000 but fewer than 200,000 residents).
  • Sets conditions for electronic submission: no requirement for visual renderings, fire-related clearances, safety inspections, or other inspections not expressly required by the subsection.
  • Overall goal: reduce fundraising costs while ensuring public safety remains protected.

Part II: Administrative and General Provisions

  • Amends Section 281-31 to delineate Class 10 license provisions and to codify the streamlined process and criteria.
  • Reiterates kinds of Class 10 licenses (General, Beer and wine, Beer) and other related rules for selling liquor.
  • Confirms on-premises consumption unless specifically allowed otherwise.

Part III: Public Liquor Education and Enforcement Funding

  • Finds that current funding from fines may be insufficient for educational and enforcement programs.
  • Increases the maximum percentage of fines collected by county liquor commissions that may be used for public liquor-related educational or enforcement programs.
  • This provision is intended to bolster educational efforts about responsible drinking and reduce alcohol-related harm.

Who Is Affected

  • Maui County residents and event organizers planning fundraising activities that involve liquor sales.
  • Nonprofit organizations, political candidates, and political parties using Class 10 licenses for fundraising events.
  • County liquor commissions and their staff, especially those involved in licensing and enforcement.
  • Public health and safety programs funded by liquor-fine revenues, and communities benefiting from enhanced educational and enforcement initiatives.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Effective date: The Act takes effect upon approval (June 8, 2026).
  • This Act was signed into law as Act 106 on June 8, 2026.
  • The summary note accompanying the bill indicates the governor’s approval and the act’s entry into law immediately upon signing.
  • Administrative implementation will likely follow the standard county liquor commission processes, with the Maui County variant applying the streamlined Class 10 license provisions.

Potential Impact

  • Reduced costs and administrative burden for Maui-based fundraising events seeking temporary liquor licenses.
  • More flexible and efficient licensing process in Maui County for small, short-term fundraising events.
  • Potential for increased fundraising activity due to lower barriers and faster approvals, with continued public-safety safeguards.
  • Enhanced capacity for counties to fund public liquor-education and enforcement programs through higher use of fines, potentially improving public health outcomes related to alcohol.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison of the pre- vs. post-law language, or a short one-page briefing for a non-legal audience.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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