Isle tourism CEO resigns; HTA seeks replacement

Robert J. Fishman, chief executive officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority since April 1999, has stepped down from the $175,000-a-year job and will report to the Pentagon tomorrow.

Fishman, 54, a colonel in the National Guard, was called up for active duty and will be part of a team setting up a new management structure for the reserve military.

Roy Tokujo, HTA chairman, said Fishman's contract was to expire at the end of March and an agreement was reached yesterday to end it now with four months pay as final compensation for Fishman.

Tokujo said a search has begun for a replacement and the HTA expects to announce an interim manager, possibly as soon as tomorrow.

Amfac Center deal closure extended to mid-November

A Los Angeles investor said he now expects to complete his $90 million purchase of Amfac Center downtown by mid- November.

The deal was scheduled to be completed today but John Anderson, owner of Paradise Beverages in Hawaii, said the closing was pushed back to Nov. 13.

Anderson said the terms of the transaction have not changed. Real Estate sources said Anderson offered seller MFD Partners L.L.C. about $95 million for the twin-tower complex at the corner of Bishop Street and Ala Moana.

In other news . . .

Bank of Hawaii said it will begin offering Internet banking services in American Samoa. Bank of Hawaii, which operates three branches in American Samoa, said it also will offer its online bill paying service to its new e-Bankoh customers in American Samoa free of charge for three months.

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[Taking Notice]

NEW JOBS

>> Mary MacDermott has been named weddings and special events coordinator at the Hanalei Colony Resort. She joins the Hanalei Colony after serving as director of the Kauai Performing Arts Center.

PROMOTIONS

>> AIG Hawaii Insurance Co. has named Carol Dorr head of its sales department and director of Hawaii Insurance Consultants, the company's insurance agency arm. She joined AIG in 1994. Lisa Fonseca, who has been with the firm since 1987, will serve as managing director at Human Resources Solutions.

>> James Pope has been named truck manager of the Hawaii region at Budget Rent a Car. He recently served as Waikiki station manager.

ON THE BOARD

>> The Hawaii Medical Association has named Gerald J. McKenna president for 2001-02. Also new are: President-elect Calvin Wong, Secretary Ali Bairos, Treasurer Paul DeMare.

RECOGNITION

>> The American Heart Association gave its Elite Service Award to Starr Seigle Communications Company Chairman Jack Bates. He was recognized for volunteer service and involvement with local programs to benefit the AHA. Bates is one of three people recognized with the award in the 52 years that the American Heart Association has been in existence in Hawaii.