In the wake of the controversial resignation of its embattled chief executive, the Hawaii Tourism Authority yesterday appointed an interim leader.

Lloyd Unebasami, 59, has been appointed as the acting chief executive, said HTA Chairman Kelvin Bloom.

“;With Lloyd at the helm, the board can focus on the important task of finding a permanent replacement to help Hawaii through the challenging times ahead,”; Bloom said.

Rex Johnson, the HTA's previous top executive, tendered his resignation following a grueling eight-hour closed-door meeting Wednesday to discuss allegations that he had used his state laptop to send racist, sexist and pornographic e-mails to friends.

Johnson did not make any comments during the public portion of the meeting and the terms of his resignation were not disclosed.

“;I don't have anything in writing and have released nothing,”; Johnson said yesterday evening. “;I haven't talked to anyone about my resignation.”;

      Controversy over Johnson's actions and how they impacted his role at the HTA consumed the agency for nearly five months. The ensuing public outcry was split between those calling for Johnson's ouster and defending his job. Now, members of the state's visitor industry - regardless of which position they took in regard to Johnson - are united in the hope that the HTA can get back to its main task of shepherding state tourism through its most turbulent time.

Renee Cochran, president of Honolulu-based Cruise and Tour Holidays, said she thinks “;It was absolutely ridiculous that Rex was asked to resign in this kind of economy.”;

“;The relationships that he made can't be replaced overnight,”; said Cochran, who has more than 30 years of experience in Hawaii's visitor industry. “;It will be difficult for someone else to pick up the ball. I think they made a big mistake.”;

Unebasami, who has served as the chief administrative officer for the HTA since 2000, is well-prepared to guide the HTA, Bloom said.

“;With his strong commitment to public service, high level of integrity and extensive experience in administration, Lloyd is extremely qualified to handle the challenges ahead for the agency,”; he said.

Unebasami, who is a certified public accountant and University of Hawaii graduate, has served in various capacities in state government. He has previously worked as the state's procurement administrator, deputy comptroller and the deputy director of taxation. He currently makes $165,000 a year and is slated to meet with the board to see whether a salary adjustment will come with his new job.

“;I appreciate the confidence that the board has shown me,”; Unebasami said. “;HTA has a difficult task ahead due to the slowdown in Hawaii's economy and its effects on the visitor industry. Nevertheless, I will do my utmost to move the agency forward during these difficult times.”;

    HTA Appoints Unebasami Interim Leader  

 

 

Less than 24 hours after Hawaii Tourism Authority president Rex Johnson resigned the HTA Board of Directors named a new leader.

 

[ Watch ]

 

 

 

 

The HTA Administrative Committee will form a search committee to make a permanent replacement. Unebasami declined to say whether he would be interested in taking the position permanently.

However, State Tourism Liaison Marsha Wienert said she is definitely not a candidate.

“;I would not allow myself to be considered for the permanent job,”; Wienert said. “;It would be an honor, but it's not the right thing for the HTA.”;

Keith Vieira, who was a member of the HTA's selection committee when Johnson was appointed and strongly advocated for his removal after the e-mail fiasco, said the HTA needs to find a strong leader with industry experience to head their organization.

“;The reason that the salary was set at such a high level for a government job is that it was intended to help us find someone with strong industry experience,”; Vieira said. “;The job wasn't designed for a government or legislative specialist.”;

Whoever fills Johnson's shoes needs to have a “;great understanding of the culture and of the needs of the community, the industry, the Legislature,”; said Vieira, who serves as senior vice president of operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii and French Polynesia.