HI SB1291

Clarifies ambiguous language in Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 281-41(i) and 281-53 regarding liquor license transfers and applications enacted by Act 12, Session Laws of Hawaii 2016.

Amends partnership and limited liability company license transfer procedures to allow transfers to remaining partners or to trusts without public hearing notice, and requires written notification to the liquor commission within thirty days of partner or member admission or withdrawal.

Modifies corporate stockholder notification requirements to allow publicly-traded companies or entities solely owned by publicly-traded entities to notify only about officers designated as primary decision-makers regarding liquor purchases and sales, rather than all officers and directors.

Adds criminal history record check and tax clearance exemptions for officers and directors of publicly-traded companies who are not designated as primary decision-makers, and permits temporary licenses for applicants actively challenging tax assessments.

Allows licensees to place their license with the commission for safekeeping upon business closure instead of automatic cancellation, and exempts such licenses from cancellation due to foreclosure or legal process.