LIHUE — Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho plans to veto the Wailua Golf Course booze bill. “I cannot support this bill for several reasons. First and foremost, the bill would put the safety of our residents and visitors at risk,” he
LIHUE — Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho plans to veto the Wailua Golf Course booze bill.
“I cannot support this bill for several reasons. First and foremost, the bill would put the safety of our residents and visitors at risk,” he said. “Secondly, there are liability concerns. Lastly, it would require additional staff to monitor the expanded operation.”
Bill No. 2635, which was passed 6-1 by the Kauai County Council on Dec. 14, will allow concessionaires to sell alcohol via “roving concessions” on the property. Mel Rapozo, council chair, was the only dissenting vote.
Originally, alcohol could only be consumed at the restaurant, Over Par Bar and Grill. Supporters of the bill argued that because alcohol is already being consumed on the golf course, the bill would provide a way to better regulate it.
“We’re putting it in the jurisdiction of a licensed alcohol provider,” said Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura during Wednesday’s council meeting.
The sale of alcohol could open the space up for private events, like parties and weddings, said Councilman Arryl Kaneshiro during the meeting.
“This not only offers an additional amenity, but it will also allow us to do bigger and better things,” he said. “It expands the opportunity to be successful.”
Carvalho intends to veto the bill 10 days after he receives it from the council.
“We have always felt there is a need for a restaurant at the Wailua Golf Course that offers the vendor a good business opportunity and provides patrons with a variety of food and beverage options,” he said.
