HTA seeks input in determining president’s future
The Hawaii Tourism Authority will listen to input from the community before making a decision regarding the possible punishment or termination of Rex Johnson, the agency's president and chief executive officer, HTA Chairman Kelvin Bloom said yesterday.
Johnson is facing possible actions against him following his acknowledgment that he used his state e-mail account to send adult-oriented e-mail to friends.
Members of the HTA'S administrative committee, which makes policy recommendations related to the evaluation of the executive director and the administration of the HTA, met yesterday afternoon in executive session to discuss the allegations. Discussion and/or action regarding the employment agreement with Johnson have been put on the agenda for an Aug. 12 HTA board meeting.
"We expect to hear public testimony on Tuesday before going into executive decision," Bloom said.
Several state legislators already have expressed concern that the economy will suffer if the HTA chooses to fire its top executive at a time when the state's lead industry is in a significant slump and facing further declines.