The Honolulu Liquor Commission yesterday decided to not renew the liquor license of a nightclub that Pearl City-area lawmakers, community leaders and police have been seeking to shut down since 2001.

The commission voted unanimously in favor of a petition by Liquor Control Administrator Dewey Kim Jr. to not renew the license of M.A.A. Inc., formerly doing business as the Sportsmen Lounge and most recently as Hui Ohana Lounge. The establishment at 829 Lehua Ave. is surrounded by residential apartment buildings and Lehua Elementary School.

The petition stated that since 2001, police responded to nearly 200 incidents at the bar — which at one time was open until 4 a.m. every day — for infractions such as aggravated assault, arguments, property damage, robbery, motor vehicle accidents and thefts, loud noises and public drunkenness.

The commission last year granted owner Frank Suinn a license provided certain conditions were met, including more security to prevent after-closing rowdiness by patrons. Last September, it was determined that the nightclub's new manager was using family members for security.

Kim's petition said management failed to provide adequate security personnel as required by the commission, and that the manager failed to inform the licensee that Sportsmen Lounge was closed in May and failed to report the business's gross sales.

Of yesterday's decision, Commissioner Dennis Enomoto said, "Every licensee has a responsibility ... obviously, over time, we've had a problem there."

Lehua Elementary School Principal Fay Toyama, who said students from her school who live near the nightclub have witnessed sex acts being performed on the top of cars, was pleased with the commission's decision.

"It doesn't belong in a residential neighborhood," Toyama said.

The nightclub's license expires June 30.

Attorney Keith Kiuchi, who represents the licensee, could not be reached for comment.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.