The governance and future focus of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is expected to be redefined under a newly appointed HTA advisory board, and by the community members who take part in HTA’s latest planning cycle, which seeks to ensure greater balance between tourism’s economic and community benefits.
The HTA on Wednesday issued an invitation to Hawaii residents to take part in a series of free online community input sessions regarding the future of tourism on their island. HTA said it will use the responses to guide the latest development of HTA’s Strategic Plan, the state’s Tourism Functional Plan, and each island’s Destination Management Action Plan.
Caroline Anderson, interim president and CEO of HTA, said in a statement, “These sessions are a chance for residents to share their mana‘o on tourism in a way that reflects the needs, values and priorities of their communities.”
Community sessions were conducted on Monday for Maui and on Tuesday for Molokai. Registration is still open to participants from other islands, who must live on the island for which they register.
All sessions are free and online via Zoom from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Residents can RSVP using the links below to receive Zoom access.
• Hawaii island — Aug. 25 — register at 808ne.ws/4mFQkZb by Aug. 21.
• Kauai — Aug. 26 — register at 808ne.ws/3JdAtTo by Aug. 22.
• Oahu — Aug. 27 — register at 808ne.ws/4fFatfN by Aug. 23.
• Lanai — Aug. 28 — register at 808ne.ws/41y57wY by Aug. 24.
HTA staff’s planning efforts will be overseen by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism with input from 12 members of an HTA advisory board, who were announced Wednesday by Gov. Josh Green.
Green had asked for courtesy resignations from the previous HTA board in June to address longstanding concerns over governance and alignment with state priorities. Green’s request was precipitated by the May 29 signing of Senate Bill 1571, now Act 132, which downgraded the HTA board to an advisory role and expanded oversight of the agency by DBEDT.
He said in a statement Wednesday, “Because Hawaii is one of the world’s most desirable visitor destinations, tourism is a main economic driver for our islands. Members of this new HTA advisory board will be vital stewards in guiding it forward.”
Though four members of the previous HTA board applied and have been reappointed to the HTA advisory board, Green said “we’re starting fresh, rebuilding trust and ensuring our tourism decisions reflect our values, our communities and a sustainable future for our people and island home.”
The HTA governance bill was brought forward by state legislators whose frustrations with HTA mounted over the spring and summer as the agency struggled to address significant staffing shortages and problems from allegations of a toxic work environment to inappropriate freebies, procurement violations and late payments to contractors. Named and unnamed HTA officials have even been sued by Isaac Choy, HTA vice president of finance and acting chief administrative officer, who was put on unpaid leave May 9 at the direction of the state attorney general and the Department of Human Resources amid allegations he made racist and sexist remarks on the job.
In April, a state audit done by the office of Auditor Leslie H. Kondo also was highly critical of HTA’s destination management focus, saying it was “not new — or effective — and the agency remains unable to gauge its own performance.”
The audit was especially critical of HTA’s community-driven Destination Management Action Plan effort, saying, “HTA’s expedited DMAP effort was poorly planned and executed with key decisions deferred to third-party contractors and island steering committees. The result: many of the actions did not address hot spots, were underway or already achieved, or were impractical.”
Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D-Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Molokini), who chairs the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, said in a statement, “The creation of the new HTA Advisory Board is a step in the right direction toward ensuring that Hawaii’s tourism decisions reflect the voices of our communities, businesses and cultural leaders.
“I believe this board will operate with full transparency, promote accountability and help guide HTA toward policies that balance economic growth with cultural preservation and environmental stewardship,” she said.
House Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura (D-Hanalei-Princeville-Kapaa) also expressed hope for more balanced tourism.
Nakamura said in a statement, “As HTA moves forward with new leadership and works to balance economic growth with community benefit, it’s important to have a range of perspectives with experience in destination management.”
CHANGING OF THE BOARD
Gov. Josh Green’s HTA advisory board reappointments:
• Kimberly Agas, the general manager of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, and hospitality veteran with extensive resort and museum council experience.
• James McCully, an orchid breeder at Mauna Kea Orchids since 1976, and member of the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce and chair of the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board.
• Lisa Paulson, chief executive officer of the Maui Food Bank and a former Maui Hotel & Lodging Association leader.
• Christian West, president of the ILWU Local 142 and a veteran labor advocate.
Gov. Josh Green’s new picks for the HTA advisory board:
• Leah Belmonte, director of Human Resources at Mahi Pono LLC and a former human resources leader with Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and Diamond Resorts.
• Mericia Elmore, executive director of SAG-AFTRA Hawaii local, who holds a law degree from the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law and is a media and communications lecturer at several campuses.
• Terry Fischer, president and owner of Polynesian Adventure Tours, who has had nearly four decades in tour operations across the U.S. and Canada.
• Troy Lazaro, a kumu hula and cultural steward.
• Lanai Tabura, an Emmy-winning TV host, radio personality, actor, comedian, cultural advocate and community organizer.
• Linda Wong, president and chief operating officer of World of Aloha, who is also the former chief of staff to Honolulu’s mayor, and has held various state leadership roles.
• Appointment from House speaker Nadine K. Nakamura (D-Hanalei-Princeville-Kapaa): Joel Guy, who is the executive director of The Hanalei Initiative and a long-standing nonprofit and community leader.
• Appointment from Senate President Ron Kouchi (D-Kauai, Niihau): Danny Ojiri, who is vice president of Outrigger Hospitality Group and an award-winning marketing executive with extensive tourism industry experience.
Source: The Garden Island