A state senator is exploring legislation that would make it tougher for Waikiki establishments that serve alcohol to get a cabaret license and easier to prosecute those that are operating without a license.

Sen. Will Espero (D, Ewa Beach-Iroquois Point) said he is considering amending the state’s racketeering law and another law that allows cabarets to open and conduct business until 4 a.m. Espero said he’s motivated by the death of 22-year-old Maleko “Mac” Remlinger, who died after a gunman fired about 10 rounds from a rifle at a group of people standing outside Club Alley Cat, a Waikiki strip club.

Jordan Smith, 18, was charged Tuesday with one count of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree attempted murder and four firearms offenses. His bail is set at $1 million.

“One news report mentioned that (Smith) came out of the club. He’s 18. Where were the security and bouncers? There was also the issue of him having a rifle,” Espero said. “There also might have been an issue of unlicensed alcohol sales.”

Espero said legislative changes are needed so that the city and state can effectively address complaints about alcohol establishments. City spokesman Andrew Pereira said the club had been the subject of frequent noise, drinking and nuisance complaints, but since it was unlicensed it fell outside of Liquor Commission rules.

“The Liquor Commission has no statutory authority to conduct inspections of unlicensed businesses,” Pereira said.

The city Liquor Commission has complaints about Club Alley Cat on file from December 2008 to March 2017. They range from various liquor law violations to selling liquor after hours, prostitution, employee drinking, unlicensed sale of liquor and employing underage workers.

Mark Smith, who owns adjacent businesses and is a member of the Waikiki Neighborhood Board, expressed safety concerns about the club to Waikiki police as recently as the Sept. 12 Waikiki Neighborhood Board meeting.

“I applaud Sen. Espero’s proposed legislation,” Smith said. “There are negative neighborhood impacts to having so many businesses like that in the same place, especially if they are behaving badly. Between my apartments and the hostel, I’m responsible for the safety of almost 100 people. We’ve got a new restaurant tenant coming in that has expressed concern, too.”

Honolulu police spokeswoman Michelle Yu said police presence was increased in the area a couple months ago due to reports of noise, drinking and nuisance complaints.

“HPD is trying to work with the property manager and owner to develop long-term solutions,” Yu said.

The property is managed by Terry Hunt, who is a representative for the Bloss Family Limited Partnership, which leases the land from its fee owner, Honolulu Limited, a company owned by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. Hunt and the foundation were not readily available for comment.

Espero said some community members also are pushing him to set stricter guidelines for late-night cabaret liquor licenses. Waikiki allows clustering of cabaret liquor licenses, while non-resort districts require separation to prevent a piling-on of community impacts.

“Because of the hours Club Alley Cat is open, it draws a not-so-good crowd,” said Hector Hoyos, Remlinger’s close friend and mentor. “Mac was obviously a patron there. He went there for pau hana after his shift at the Yard House. Yeah, something needs to be done.”

Jerry Gibson, area vice president for Hilton Hawaii, said he would support changing the racketeering law and advocates stiff penalties for unlicensed establishments. However, he said Waikiki needs cabarets to compete with other visitor destinations. Instead, he suggests increased sobriety checks, which he believes would encourage patrons to act responsibly.