Tourism agency picks new cultural affairs director ADVERTISING Tourism agency picks new cultural affairs director HONOLULU (AP) — The Hawaii Tourism Authority appointed a new director of cultural affairs months after the previous director’s firing drew criticism from the Native
Tourism agency picks new cultural affairs director
HONOLULU (AP) — The Hawaii Tourism Authority appointed a new director of cultural affairs months after the previous director’s firing drew criticism from the Native Hawaiian community.
Kalani Kaanaana took over the post Monday. He previously served as coordinator of clinical health and community programs in the Native Hawaiian Health Program at The Queen’s Health Systems.
George Szigeti, president and CEO of the authority, said Kaanaana “brings to HTA a vision and energy that will help guide us in supporting programs and issues that are key to perpetuating our islands’ native culture.”
Kaanaana replaced Kelii Wilson, who worked for the agency for nearly a decade before being dismissed in January.
Szigeti, who became the authority’s president and CEO in May 2015, said Wilson’s dismissal was a personnel matter.
3 seek post of Honolulu mayor
HONOLULU (AP) — Former Republican Congressman Charles Djou announced he’s running for mayor of Honolulu.
Djou formally joined the race Tuesday, which was the deadline for candidates to file papers with the Office of Elections.
He will face incumbent Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and former Mayor Peter Carlisle in the nonpartisan race.
Carlisle was Honolulu mayor from 2010-12 after beating then-acting mayor Caldwell in a special election. Caldwell bounced back and has served as mayor since 2013.
Djou says he will veto any tax increases to fund development of the rail system, saying the city needs to make the system work with what it has.
City Council Chairman Ernie Martin was expected to run but says he’ll continue serving on the council.
