Liquor director
Candidate details still a bit limited
A few more details are emerging on one of the finalists for Maui County liquor director.
On Wednesday, the county Liquor Control Commission released only the names of the top four finalists for the top job. No further information was provided.
Finalist Timothy R. Poindexter contacted The Maui News on Thursday to say he is a retired sergeant with the California Highway Patrol. A story on Page A1 Thursday incorrectly stated he was currently with the department.
Poindexter is director of safety and security at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu, a position he has held since November, he said in an email.
Along with Poindexter, The Maui News was able to obtain some background information on two of the other candidates.
≤ Peter Hanano, a deputy corporation counsel with Maui County. He also served as a first deputy prosecuting attorney during the Charmaine Tavares mayoral administration.
≤ Layne N. Silva, a liquor control officer with the department. He is the son of retired county Liquor Control Director Frank Silva. He has been with the department for 21 years.
The Maui News was unable to reach the fourth candidate, Thomas P. Higgins, a Maui resident.
In addition to his work at Turtle Bay, Poindexter said after his retirement from the CHP in June 2010 after more than 29 years, he accepted a position with the state Department of Human Services as chief investigator.
Poindexter said he decided to “go in a different direction” after several years with the department and accepted positions in safety and security in the hospitality industry. His resume includes being director of safety and security at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa.
The candidates are seeking to replace former Director Glenn Mukai, who retired in February after three years in the position. Deputy Director Georgette Tyau is serving as interim director.
Mukai made $139,133 annually. On Thursday, commission Chairman Nane Aluli said that he has been advised, that because of privacy issues, the commission will not release any resumes from the applicants.
The commission will interview the candidates at its next special meeting at 9 a.m. Oct. 14. The interviews will be conducted in executive session, Aluli said.
The commission hopes to make a selection Oct. 14 or 15, Aluli said.
Comments regarding any of the final candidates may be submitted to liquor@mauicounty.gov.
Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.