Commission walks back limits on liquor sale for street festival

The annual Mardi Gras-Carnaval street festival in Chinatown will take place Feb. 12 with few limitations on street liquor sales, despite a move in that direction by the Hono­lulu Liquor Commission.

In years past the festival, which covers four blocks in Chinatown, had been operating under a permit that allowed it to sell liquor from booths from 6 to 10:30 p.m.

About two weeks ago the commission imposed a limit of liquor booth sales from 6 to 8 p.m.

But the commission revised its decision Thursday after the festival organizer said limiting sales to two hours would make the event unfeasible and force him to cancel it.

Several businesses warned the cancellation would have dire effects on their survival.

So the commission decided to allow liquor sales through street vendors from 6 to 10 p.m.

City Councilwoman Carol Fuku­naga said lawmakers, including herself, did not oppose the festival selling liquor for several hours.

Fukunaga said her comments during a commission meeting a couple of weeks ago were directed toward a different festival organization.

Over the last several years, Fuku­naga said, festival events have turned to alcohol sales to make a profit, and elected officials will be looking at this trend.

"The challenge for us is to balance business revitalization with community concerns in public health and security," she said.

Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock, president of the Chinatown Business & Community Association, said her group, which presented a petition with more than 535 signatures, continues to oppose the street sale of liquor, which she believes encourages loose behavior.

Festival organizer Mark Tarone, who disagreed, said his group does extensive monitoring and has observers from the Police and Fire departments and the state Department of Transportation.

Tarone said in the last five years, his group has organized 10 events in Chinatown and recorded no arrests and no violence.

"The proper procedures are in place," he said.

Commissioners are requiring that Tarone submit reports from police and fire officials a few weeks after the event.

Tarone’s business, T-Rx Entertainment LLC, also works with the Arts District Merchants Association to organize the St. Patrick’s Day and Hallowbaloo festivals.

Louis Pohl Gallery owner Sandra Pohl said while she has helped to organize various art activities in Chinatown, none has been profitable or had the marketing impact of festivals organized by Tarone.

"We need them," she said.