We were pleased to see that the Maui County Liquor Control Commission has scheduled a special meeting for May 9 to get testimony from the public on new rules that allow the sale of alcohol 24 hours a day.

Opponents of the rules claim that provisions of the state’s Sunshine Law were not followed when the commission adopted the new rules at its Feb. 8 meeting. The commission’s agenda for that meeting referenced the pending rules changes by simply stating, “Title 08, Chapter 101, Rules Governing the Manufacture, and Sale of Intoxicating Liquor.”

It is fair to say it would be hard for the public to infer from that line item that significant changes were being contemplated. A complaint was filed with the state’s Office of Information Practices.

Unfortunately, the Liquor Control Commission is not the only county entity that has become used to conducting its business privately. Hawaii’s Sunshine Law is extremely weak and the OIP that administers it has no enforcement authority. It can issue opinions, but that’s it. Citizens or private entities have to file lawsuits seeking enforcement — and that is expensive. Meanwhile, the agency charged with the violation uses government lawyers to defend itself.

We would have thought the commission would have sought both public and police input before issuing these sweeping changes. Agencies that deal with the aftereffects of alcohol abuse and the State of Hawaii Police Officers Union oppose the changes.

Frankly, we don’t see what burden banning the sale of alcohol in retail stores between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. puts on anyone. It seems obvious the most likely customers at those hours are folks who have already had enough to drink.

We’d agree with how Wailuku commissioner Nane Aluli summarized his support of the May 9 meeting.

“Honestly, after we hear that, I think we’ll be in a better position to make what the commission feels is the right decision. We are essentially servants of the public, and I think it’s important we hear their voice.”

*Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.