At the Nanakuli- Maili Neighborhood Board meeting, held on March 17, 2015, the topic of consuming alcohol in a family-oriented restaurant took center stage. Alex and Garland Pelen requested approval from the board for a liquor license for their restaurant, A & G Steak and Things, located in the Pacific Shopping Mall. Pelen stated that it was not a nightclub despite the addition of live music entertainment, and that the family restaurant would not serve alcohol after it closes at 10:00 P.M. Garland Pelen explained that the decision to omit liquor sales at their Waianae restaurant was made because it may discontinue business there if the overhead costs prove to be unreasonable.
Because the Pelen family are Waianae residents who started a food wagon in Windward Mall and relocated to Waianae when business grew, board members Awana and Eli encouraged the board to support local families that start businesses in the community. The board approved the application for the liquor license which would not permit any dispensing of liquor after 10:00 P.M. The measure passed by roll call, 5-4 (Aye: Aipolani, Eli, Kumia, Landford and Manaku. No: Ballenti, Grace, Teruya, and Rezentes.)
The next regular board meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2015, 7:00-9:30 P.M., at Nanaikapono Elementary School Cafeteria, 89-153 Mano Avenue, Waianae, HI 96792. Topics under New Business are:
- Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) Malama Recovery Substance Abuse Treatment Program – Dr. Nicole Wright.
- Presentation or Announcements on the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle and Little Fire Ants in the Waianae district (Lualualei) – Tentative.
The public is invited to attend the meeting and present community concerns and ideas for the board’s consideration. Individuals may also participate in the board’s discussion. Representatives from the City & County Board of Water Supply, the Mayor’s Office, Fire Department, Police Department, and Council members will be presenting updated reports at every board meeting and are able to respond to participants’ questions. In addition, Senator Shimabukuro and Representative Jordan or their representatives report to the board every month.
