HI HB578

Establishes escalating penalties for repeat liquor law violations by licensees in counties with populations of 500,000 or more (applies to Honolulu County)

Second violation of the same liquor law within 12 months incurs a fine of $2,000-$4,000; third violation results in $4,000-$8,000 fine

Fourth violation within 12 months triggers a one-month license suspension; fifth violation results in license revocation

Applies enhanced penalties to multiple existing liquor law violations including tampering with samples, refusing to provide samples, obstructing liquor commission operations, and other chapter offenses

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