S.B. 2975 Summary

• Amends Section 281-59, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to modify liquor license application procedures and decision timelines.

• Exempts Class 1 liquor license applications on agriculturally-zoned land from automatic refusal when a majority of nearby voters or property owners file protests, provided the majority of agricultural commodities used in manufacturing are grown and produced in Hawaii by the license holder.

• Defines "agricultural commodity" to include fruits, nuts, vegetables, and aquacultural, horticultural, silvicultural, or floricultural products.

• Clarifies protest procedures by requiring protests to be filed pursuant to Section 281-58 and maintains the liquor commission's discretion to grant or refuse applications outside of the automatic refusal circumstances.

• Takes effect upon approval and does not affect rights, duties, or proceedings that began before the effective date.