Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the appointment of 12 individuals to the reorganized Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) Advisory Board. The appointments follow the resignation of the previous board earlier this summer.
The new appointees include:
- Kimberly Agas (reappointed member) – general manager, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa; hospitality veteran with extensive resort and museum council experience
- Leah Belmonte – director of Human Resources, Mahi Pono LLC; former HR leader with Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and Diamond Resorts
- Mericia Elmore – executive director, SAG-AFTRA Hawai‘i local; law degree from the University of Hawai‘i William S. Richardson School of Law; media and communications lecturer at several campuses
- Terry Fischer – president and owner, Polynesian Adventure Tours; nearly four decades in tour operations across the U.S. and Canada
- Joel Guy (appointed by House Speaker) – executive director, The Hanalei Initiative; long-standing nonprofit and community leader
- Troy Lazaro – Kumu hula and cultural steward
- James McCully (reappointed member) – orchid breeder at Mauna Kea Orchids since 1976; former HTA Board member, Hawai‘i Island Chamber and Hawai‘i Economic Development Board chair
- Danny Ojiri (appointed by Senate President) – vice president, Outrigger Hospitality Group; award-winning marketing executive with extensive tourism industry experience
- Lisa Paulson (reappointed member) – chief executive officer, Maui Food Bank; former Maui Hotel & Lodging Association leader; recognized by Pacific Business News, USA Today and Forbes
- Lanai Tabura – Emmy-winning TV host, radio personality, actor, comedian, cultural advocate and community organizer
- Christian West (reappointed member) – president, ILWU Local 142; veteran labor advocate with prior HTA service
- Linda Wong – president and chief operating officer, World of Aloha; former chief of staff to Honolulu’s mayor and state leadership roles
Appointees listed as reappointed members served on a previous HTA board, submitted applications and were reappointed.
Members appointed by the Governor are subject to state Senate confirmation.