What's Being Discussed

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority's (HTA) Administrative Standing Committee is holding a virtual meeting on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. The main topics are:

• Approval of minutes from the previous committee meeting on October 7, 2026
• Update on the search for a new HTA President & CEO, including:
  • Applications closed on October 30, 2026
  • A review panel will screen applicants and schedule interviews in November, with possible second-round interviews
  • A finalist recommendation will go to the full HTA Board in December
  • Finalist interviews will be held publicly at the December Board meeting
  • The Board's chosen nominee will be submitted to the Governor in December
• Review of a draft employment agreement for the new President & CEO, covering general contract terms
• Review of a draft performance evaluation process for the President & CEO

Decisions Expected

• Approval of the October 7, 2026 meeting minutes
• Possible direction or approval related to the CEO employment agreement terms and evaluation procedures

Who Should Pay Attention

• Hawaii residents and taxpayers who have an interest in who leads the state's tourism agency
• Tourism industry professionals and businesses affected by HTA's leadership and direction
• Anyone interested in government hiring practices and executive compensation at a state agency

The public may attend via Zoom or by phone. Oral testimony is limited to five minutes per speaker. Written testimony can be emailed to Carole.m.hagihara@hawaii.gov.