Thank you for your support of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. We appreciate your continued readership. Enjoy this free story!
Seth Buckley, the troubled chairperson of the Honolulu Liquor Commission, has announced his intention to step down from the board before the end of the year, according to the city.
Buckley, a local attorney, could not be reached for immediate comment regarding his pending departure.
The mayor’s office stated that Buckley did not provide a formal resignation letter. Scott Humber, the mayor’s communications director, informed the Honolulu Star-Advertiser via email that “he is leaving the HLC Board due to balancing the demands of the commission and his law practice.”
Humber added that Buckley informed city Deputy Managing Director Krishna Jayaram of his decision to leave by December. Humber stated, “He has offered to stay on until five commissioners are in place, which will likely be early December.”
Currently, the Liquor Commission has three members: Buckley, Vice Chair Jeffrey Hong, and Dillon Hullinger, although it is typically a five-member board.
Buckley took over as the chairperson after former Chair Malama Minn resigned in January amidst allegations of corruption and discrimination. Buckley was elected to replace Minn as the new leader of the board.
Meanwhile, Mayor Rick Blangiardi is working to quickly fill the vacancy that Buckley will be leaving behind.
On September 7, the mayor sent a message to Council Chair Tommy Waters, requesting the appointment and confirmation of a new chair for the panel. Blangiardi proposed Joseph Bock, an owner of a media company, for the position.
“Mr. Bock will fill the vacancy that will be created upon the resignation of Seth Buckley and serve for a term to expire on December 31, 2025,” the mayor’s message reads. The mayor hopes for Bock’s appointment to be approved by the City Council as soon as possible.
According to a City Council spokesperson, a resolution advancing Bock’s name as the Liquor Commission chair will likely be included in the next full Council meeting on October 4. Bock’s appointment will then undergo scrutiny by a Council committee before possible final confirmation by the full Council in November.
Bock is the owner and general manager of NMG Network and holds a law degree from the University of Houston. His company has previously performed media work for the City and County of Honolulu.
Humber stated that Bock’s appointment is part of a larger effort to bring the Liquor Commission back to its full capacity of five members. “He is qualified and willing to provide his support and expertise,” Humber added.
The Liquor Commission, which has jurisdiction over liquor licenses in Honolulu, remains under intense city scrutiny, facing internal challenges and federal lawsuits.
———
Honolulu Star-Advertiser staff writer Peter Boylan contributed to this report.
