For Immediate Release: September 12, 2025
HTA Release (25-16)
9-12-25 HTA Announces Advisory Board Committee Leadership.pdf
HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) today announced the committee leadership assignments for its new advisory board. Each standing committee is tasked with advancing HTA’s strategic priorities while ensuring transparency and accountability in managing Hawai‘i’s visitor industry.
“HTA’s board committees ensure that we remain focused, accountable and community-driven,” said Caroline Anderson, interim president and chief executive officer of HTA. “Their leadership will guide critical areas ranging from branding and destination stewardship to sports and film tourism, while also supporting the search for HTA’s next CEO.”
The following committee chair and vice chair assignments were discussed and approved by the advisory board at its meeting yesterday. Committee member assignments will be finalized at the next advisory board meeting.
Administrative Standing Committee
This committee oversees the contract terms of the president and chief executive officer and is responsible for making recommendations related to the CEO’s evaluation.
Chair: James McCully
Vice Chair: Joel Guy
Branding Standing Committee
Provides strategic review, evaluation and recommendations on HTA’s branding and marketing initiatives, including destination branding and meetings, conventions and incentive (MCI) business.
Chair: Kimberly Agas
Vice Chair: Danny Ojiri
Film Production Tourism Standing Committee
Guides initiatives that promote Hawai‘i through film, television and integrated marketing, supporting economic development and authentic representation of the state.
Chair: Mericia Palma Elmore
Vice Chair: Linda Wong
Ho‘okahua Hawai‘i Standing Committee
Provides strategic guidance on destination stewardship, Hawaiian culture, visitor experiences, workforce development and implementation of HTA’s Strategic Plan and Destination Management Action Plans (DMAPs).
Chair: Lisa Paulson
Vice Chair: Terry Fischer
Sports Tourism Standing Committee
Focuses on advancing Hawai‘i’s position as a premier sports tourism destination, leveraging events to drive economic impact, brand visibility and community benefit.
Chair: Chris West
Vice Chair: Lanai Tabura
CEO Search Permitted Interaction Group (PIG)
This group is composed of the same members as the Administrative Standing Committee and will oversee the recruitment, hiring and contract negotiations for HTA’s next president and CEO.
Chair: James McCully
Vice Chair: Joel Guy
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About the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is the state agency responsible for representing the Hawaiian Islands around the world — and for holistically managing tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with community desires, economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources and visitor industry needs. HTA works with the community and industry to mālama Hawaiʻi — care for our beloved home. For more information about HTA, visit hawaiitourismauthority.org or follow @HawaiiHTA on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and X.
Media Contacts:
Jill Radke
Public Affairs Officer
Hawaii Tourism Authority
(o)
[email protected]