City now accepting resumes for Honolulu Liquor Commission Administrator

News Release from City and County of Honolulu, Nov 28, 2025 

The City and County of Honolulu is now accepting resumes for the position of Administrator of the Honolulu Liquor Commission, a key leadership role responsible for guiding one of the City’s most visible regulatory agencies. The ideal candidate will bring fairness, sound judgment, integrity, and strong management experience — someone who can lead with professionalism while supporting both the public and our local businesses.   

Mayor Rick Blangiardi thanked outgoing Administrator Sal Petilos, who is retiring after two and a half years with the City. “We appreciate Sal Petilos for his service to the Honolulu Liquor Commission,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “We wish him well as he moves into this next chapter.”  

“A strong and trusted Liquor Commission is important for Honolulu,” the Mayor added. “We have made real progress rebuilding public confidence and improving the way the Commission operates. Choosing the right Administrator is a key part of continuing that momentum.”  

The City is seeking a leader with proven administrative and managerial experience, familiarity with municipal operations, and a clear commitment to ethics, accountability, and transparency. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of effective leadership and the ability to uphold the Commission’s mission while serving the community with fairness and professionalism.

“The members of the Honolulu Liquor Commission extend our thanks and aloha to Administrator Sal Petilos,” said Jeffrey Hong, Liquor Commission Chair. “Sal came to us off the beach and out of retirement after leading Utah’s Alcohol Beverage Control. We were fortunate to benefit from his skill and experience during a challenging period for the agency.   Sal truly wanted to give back to his adopted home, and he leaves the Commission better prepared for the future. We will miss him as he returns to a calmer retirement — and a little more time in the surf.”  

Resumes and cover letters may be submitted to BFSLIQAdmin@honolulu.gov.    

For more information on the Honolulu Liquor Commission, please visit https://www.honolulu.gov/liq/.