STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2950

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 2034

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committees on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health and Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2034 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LIQUOR LAW VIOLATIONS,"

 

beg leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish enhanced penalties for multiple violations of the same liquor law by licensees under certain circumstances.

 

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Chinatown Gateway Plaza Tenant Association.  Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Bar Owners Association and one individual.  Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Liquor Commission of the City and County of Honolulu.

 

     Your Committees find that crime as a result of intoxicating liquors is on the rise in the State and raises safety concerns for residents and visitors.  Your Committees further find that there are businesses with liquor licenses that knowingly violate liquor laws and receive only a warning or a small fine as a result.  Your Committees believe that a stronger deterrent against any violation of the State's liquor laws is necessary to hold businesses accountable.  This measure will deter businesses from violating any liquor law by imposing enhanced penalties for multiple violations of the same liquor law, thereby furthering the safety of residents and visitors of the State.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health and Judiciary that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2034 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health and Judiciary,

 

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KARL RHOADS, Chair

 

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ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair