Company Directory - Hawaii Tourism Authority
Company Details - Hawaii Tourism Authority
Hawaii Tourism Authority
WebsiteUSA
The Hawaii Tourism Authority is a state agency responsible for overseeing and promoting Hawaii's tourism industry, managing tourism-related activities and providing guidance on travel and visitor policies.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Hawaii Tourism Authority
-1.03
0.01%
Latest Event
Hannemann Resigns Amid HTA Freebies Controversy
Mufi Hannemann resigned as chair of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority board amid allegations that procedural deficiencies allowed for complimentary use of HTA spaces for affiliated organizations. The controversy has raised concerns over political interference, lack of oversight, and ethical governance, potentially undermining public trust in this key state agency.
Take Action
So what can you do? It's time to make tough choices. Where will you cast your vote?
- Shop Alternatives
SEE ALL - Use Your Voice
OTHER TOOLS - Investigate
- Share the Score
SUPPORT CCI
BYSTANDER
Hawaii Tourism Authority is currently rated as a Bystander.
Latest Events
- MAR282025
Mufi Hannemann resigned as chair of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority board amid allegations that procedural deficiencies allowed for complimentary use of HTA spaces for affiliated organizations. The controversy has raised concerns over political interference, lack of oversight, and ethical governance, potentially undermining public trust in this key state agency.
-40
Public and Political Behavior
March 28
The resignation follows allegations of political interference and mismanagement at a state agency. The events suggest an erosion of public trust as board decisions appear to have been influenced by external pressures and conflicts of interest, which compromise democratic accountability.
-30
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 28
The internal procedural failings — specifically the approval of free use of HTA spaces without proper oversight, along with unresolved ethics questions — point to poor business practices and a lack of ethical responsibility. This mismanagement undermines the integrity of the agency’s operations.
- MAR272025
Mufi Hannemann resigned as chair of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority on March 27, 2025, following an ethics inquiry into potential inappropriate spending related to two nonprofit events he leads. The board had questioned expenditure of over $14,000 for food and beverages, raising concerns about misuse of public agency resources and conflict-of-interest.
-40
Public and Political Behavior
March 28
The controversy and subsequent resignation highlight a breach of public trust and accountability in a public agency, undermining ethical leadership and transparency in political behavior.
Hannemann Resigns As Chair Of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Amid Freebie Inquiry
-50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 28
The incident raises serious concerns over business practices and ethical responsibility, with questions about the proper use of public funds and potential conflict-of-interest tied to nonprofit activities under Hannemann’s leadership.
Hannemann Resigns As Chair Of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Amid Freebie Inquiry
- MAR272025
Mufi Hannemann resigned immediately as chairman of the Hawaii Tourism Authority on March 27, 2025, following controversies over alleged misuse of HTA resources for affiliated nonprofits and questionable billing practices for tourism-related events. The departure comes amid broader concerns over ethical governance, prompting the election of board member Todd Apo as the new chair and calls for strengthened internal policies.
+30
Executive Political Engagement
March 28
The chairman’s immediate resignation, taken in the face of allegations regarding the inappropriate use of HTA resources, reflects an accountability measure in executive political engagement. This step, while forced by controversy, serves to restore some public trust and signals a response to governance concerns.
Chairman Mufi Hannemann steps down from Hawaii Tourism Authority amid controversy
+10
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 28
The controversy highlights serious concerns over ethical practices and the management of public resources. Despite the negative implications of questionable billing practices and potential misuse of funds, the subsequent accountability measures and support for improved internal policies indicate a move toward better business practices.
Chairman Mufi Hannemann steps down from Hawaii Tourism Authority amid controversy
- MAR272025
Mufi Hannemann resigned as chair of the Hawaii Tourism Authority Board on March 27, 2025, following allegations that his nonprofits received free event perks at the Hawaii Convention Center. The resignation, coming after a state financial audit revealed procedural deficiencies, is seen as an accountability measure aimed at restoring public trust and preventing undue influence in public tourism management.
+50
Executive Political Engagement
March 28
Mufi Hannemann’s resignation constitutes a corrective action in response to ethical concerns and potential misuse of authority linked to the provision of free event services. By stepping down, he helps to mitigate the risk of cronyism and establishes stronger governance within the Hawaii Tourism Authority, aligning with anti-authoritarian and progressive accountability measures.
- MAR272025
Mufi Hannemann resigned as chair of the Hawaii Tourism Authority Board following a state audit that raised questions over $14,000 in discounted services at the Hawaii Convention Center for events linked to his affiliated organizations. The move comes amid efforts to restore public trust and improve transparent practices within the agency.
- JUN272023
In the 2023 legislative session, the Hawaii Tourism Authority nearly faced disbandment as heightened lobbying spending influenced lawmakers. However, the bill targeting the agency was ultimately dropped, preserving its role in marketing Hawaii’s tourism industry and supporting local community interests.
+25
Public and Political Behavior
March 28
The article highlights that the Hawaii Tourism Authority, a state agency vital for promoting tourism and supporting community interests, narrowly avoided disbandment amid high lobbying expenditures. Its survival is interpreted as a positive outcome against special interest pressures that could have undermined public accountability and sustainable local governance.
Special Interests Spent More To Lobby The Hawaii Legislature This Year
- APR082023
Lawmakers are intensively scrutinizing the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority over longstanding issues including mismanagement of funds, procurement flaws, and a failure to implement audit recommendations. Critics argue that these issues diminish transparency and accountability in managing tourism-related public funds, fueling proposals to dissolve and replace the agency.
-30
Public and Political Behavior
March 28
Lawmakers criticize the agency for lacking transparency and accountability, factors which undermine public trust and contribute to a governance environment where unchecked power might lead to authoritarian practices. The scrutiny reflects concerns in the political behavior arena regarding misuse of public funds and poor oversight.
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 28
The agency has been repeatedly flagged in audits for significant procurement and financial management issues, including reimbursing contractors without proper documentation and failing to implement audit recommendations fully. This unethical management of public resources raises serious concerns about its business practices.
-20
Economic and Structural Influence
March 28
The inefficiencies in handling a significant budget, including questionable increases in operating funds and the misallocation of public money, diminish the agency's ability to responsibly influence tourism economics. This structural weakness exacerbates community frustrations and undermines proper economic stewardship.
- FEB012023
Lawmakers are considering dismantling the Hawaii Tourism Authority following a series of procurement missteps, including the rescission of a longstanding contract and the controversial awarding of a $34 million marketing contract, actions which have raised serious questions about the agency's adherence to state procurement codes and its overall management.
-30
Public and Political Behavior
March 28
The mismanagement at HTA has eroded public trust and drawn political backlash, as evidenced by lawmakers' moves to overhaul and possibly dissolve the agency. This undermines the public and political accountability expected of such organizations.
The End Of The Hawaii Tourism Authority? Lawmakers May Pull The Plug
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 28
The HTA’s procurement practices have come under fire, notably the rescinding of a long-term contract and the controversial awarding of a new $34 million contract to a less established entity, actions that violated state procurement codes and fueled a procurement protest. This reflects poorly on the agency's business ethics and management.
The End Of The Hawaii Tourism Authority? Lawmakers May Pull The Plug
Alternatives
Japan
30.12
Corporation
61.93
Austin, USA
66.87
New York, USA
40.30
USA
4.31
Framingham, USA
0.00
Miami, United States
74.24
Canada
71.66
London, United Kingdom
60.39
Quepos, Costa Rica
51.10
Industries
- 541613
- Marketing Consulting Services
- 721199
- All Other Traveler Accommodation
- 999199
- All Other Miscellaneous Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services