HONOLULU -- The state would take over operation of county liquor commissions under a proposal being introduced at the state Legislature this year.
On Friday, KITV 4 News reported there's another federal probe of Honolulu's Liquor Commission with the FBI looking into whether liquor investigators extorted free food from bars and nightclubs in exchange for lenient treatment. (
Read story.)
Less than three years ago, eight liquor investigators were indicted and found guilty in a bribery investigation.
Republican Sen. Bob Hogue wants the state Tax Department to handle administrative matters and the Attorney General's office to be responsible for liquor enforcement.
"I'm a home rule advocate, but when something is rife with problems, maybe it's ripe for reform. And, this is one of those areas," Hogue said.
Hogue plans to introduce the bill later this week.
It could face opposition from the Lingle administration, which does not support taking power away from the counties.
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