HVCB axing global unit,
eliminating 10 positions
The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau is closing its global corporate communications and partnerships division in a restructuring that is eliminating 10 of 53 central-office positions, said Chief Executive John Monahan.
Eleven employees will be affected, though the company has six open positions made available by the restructuring.
The cuts follow the recent elimination of 18 HVCB positions in its international divisions. The 34 employees in the bureau's island chapters are not being affected in the reorganization.
The HVCB, which had around 100 employees earlier this year, will have about 77.
The bureau, which is losing the state-funded job of promoting Hawaii to international travelers, is having its total state contract funds cut 31.4 percent to $24.1 million in 2004 from $35.15 million in 2003. The bureau will be responsible for attracting North American tourists and business travelers.
Separate private marketing companies will assume state contracts to promote Hawaii in Japan, other Asian companies, Oceania and Europe.
Gail Ann Chew, the bureau's vice president of global corporate communications and partnerships, will step down from the bureau after nearly 14 years. Terminated employees will receive unspecified severance packages and employment assistance benefits, the bureau said.