Job Details

• September 29, 2025

$5,338/Month

Job Type: Full-Time Temporary
Location: 711 Kapiolani Blvd., 6th floor, Honolulu
Department: Liquor Commission
Apply Before: Continuous

The Liquor Licensing Examiner conducts inspections and investigative tasks relative to the compliance of Honolulu's liquor laws, rules, and regulations. Processes applications for license to sell, distribute, or manufacture liquor, with responsibilities including but not limited to:

This is a full-time, temporary position performed under a personal services contract that expires 6/30/26 (renewable upon determination of need and availability of funds)

What does a Liquor Licensing Examiner do?

• Reviews blueprints and floor/building plans, related tax maps, financial statements, and other documents submitted.
• Reviews articles of incorporation, partnership agreements, articles of formation of limited liability entities, and other business filings with regulatory agencies to verify identity and authority of the principals.
• Reviews company operating agreements to determine legality of establishment prior to issuance of liquor license.
• Interviews and investigates liquor license applicants as to character, personal history, and qualifications pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes. Reports on suitability of applicant based on all known data, and whether the applicant is for any reason disqualified by liquor laws from obtaining or exercising a license to sell or distribute liquor.
• Operates the Live Scan electronic fingerprint machine to scan fingerprint images of applications and submit to the Federal Bureau of Investigations for the purposes of confirming no felony convictions of applicants.
• Determines whether the intended business and liquor sales will be in accordance with liquor laws and other regulations (e.g., zoning provisos) that affect liquor operations.
• Explains and interprets provisions of laws and rules to the applicant and clarifies questions the applicant may have concerning licensing requirements.
• Investigates possible fraud or attempts to deceive the Liquor Commission in requests/applications filed. Conducts investigations to determine factuality of information submitted by the applicant.
• Reports on requests for minors to work in licensed premises. Interviews the minor, the minor's parent/guardian, and the licensee's representative to determine whether the minor is suitable to work in the licensed premise.
• Compiles, analyzes, and reports on statistics pertinent to licensing or enforcement functions.

Required qualifications:

• Education/experience equivalent to graduation from high school, and inspectional or investigative work experience.
• Possession of a valid Hawaii State driver's license (Type 3).
• Knowledge of business organizational structures, interpretation of financial reports, and basic business principles.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports.
• Act in a professional manner; demonstrate a high degree of integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior; exhibit strong interpersonal skills; promote teamwork.

Desired qualifications:

• Possession of a university, college, or technical degree relative to the responsibilities of this position.
• Four years of inspectional or investigative work experience relating to the enforcement of laws, ordinances, and/or rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing the manufacture, importation, and sale of liquor in the City and County of Honolulu.

Submit cover letter and resume via email to: ...@honolulu.gov