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Advisory Board of Directors

HTA Board of Directors

Under Act 132 SLH2025, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) shall be headed by an advisory board of directors consisting of 12 members. This board will include at least one representative from the city and county of Honolulu, as well as representatives from the counties of Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i, and Maui. Additionally, one member will be appointed by the President of the Senate, and another will be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The remaining members will be appointed at-large. 

At least six members shall have knowledge, experience, and expertise in areas such as accommodations, transportation, retail, entertainment, or attractions, and at least one member appointed by the Governor shall have knowledge, experience, and expertise in the area of Hawaiian cultural practices. Furthermore, at least one member shall represent a tourism-related entity. 

– HTA 2026 Board Committee Memberships (updated 03/25/26)
– HTA 2026 Advisory Board Meetings Schedule (subject to change)

Board Members

Portrait of Board Member Kim Agas

Kimberly Agas
Co Vice-Chair
General Manager
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Accommodations
Term Ends: 6/30/26

Portrait of Board Member Jim McCully

James McCully
Co Vice-Chair
Owner
McCully Works
Hawaii County & Retail Industry
Term Ends: 6/30/26

Portrait of Board Member Leah Belmonte

Leah Belmonte
Board Member
Director of Human Resources
Mahi Pono LLC
Maui County
Term Ends: 6/30/29

Portrait of Board Member Mericia Elmore

Mericia Palma Elmore
Board Member
Executive Director
SAG-AFTRA Hawaii Local
Entertainment
Term Ends: 6/30/29

Portrait of Board Member Terry Fischer

Terry Fischer
Board Member
President & Owner
Polynesian Adventure Tours
Transportation & a Tourism-Impacted Entity
Term Ends: 6/30/29

Portrait of Board Member Joel Guy

Joel Guy
Board Member
Executive Director
The Hanalei Initiative
Kauai County – House Designee
Term Ends: 6/30/29

Portrait of Board Member Troy Lazaro

Troy Allen Lazaro
Board Member
Kumu Hula and Cultural Steward
Expert in the Area of Hawaiian Cultural Practices
Kauai County
Term Ends: 6/30/29

Portrait of Board Member Danny Ojiri

Danny Ojiri
Board Member
Vice President
Outrigger Hospitality Group
Senate Designee
Term Ends: 6/30/29

Portrait of Board Member Lanai Tabura

Grant “Lanai” Tabura
Board Member
Cultural Advocate and Community Advocate
Entertainment
Term Ends: 6/30/29

Portrait of Board Member Chris West

Christian West
Board Member
President
ILWU Local 142
Term Ends: 6/30/28

Portrait of Board Member Linda Wong

Linda Wong
Board Member
President & Chief Financial Officer
World of Aloha
Term Ends: 6/30/29