Hawaiʻi County hires new director for the Department of Liquor Control

Earlier this month, Stacie Waltjen was hired as the director of the Department of Liquor Control, effective Wednesday, Dec. 31.

The Department of Liquor Control regulates the manufacture, importation, sale, and consumption of intoxicating liquor and ensures compliance with state and county laws.

The County of Hawaiʻi Liquor Commission interviewed and vetted applicants before approving Waltjen, who has served with the department since 2017 as a liquor licensing officer and liquor licensing technician.

Waltjen was previously executive secretary to the managing director and deputy managing director from 2014 to 2016. She joined the County of Hawaiʻi in 2005 at the Office of the Corporation Counsel, where she worked as a legal technician and legal clerk.

Waltjen takes the helm following the retirement of Gerald Takase, who became liquor control director in 2011. Through his 41-year career with the county, Takase also served as a deputy prosecuting attorney, deputy and assistant corporation counsel, and deputy director of public works.

“Stacie Waltjen brings a wealth of experience – including at the licensing, legal review, and administrative levels – that makes her an excellent fit for this role,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “I wish to congratulate her and give a sincere mahalo to Gerald Takase for his many years of dedicated service.”