HONOLULU — The Hawaii Tourism Authority has appointed a new director of cultural affairs months after the previous director’s firing drew criticism from the Native Hawaiian community.
HONOLULU — The Hawaii Tourism Authority has 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, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.
“I was drawn to this position because of its significance to the Hawaiian community and to all the people of Hawaii. I see the responsibilities as a great opportunity to promote increased dialogue and collaboration, and to elevate our native culture authentically in our largest industry,” Kaanaana said in a press release.
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 has replaced Kelii Wilson, who worked for the authority for nearly a decade before being dismissed in January. Wilson was credited with building the organization’s cultural program and strengthening the relationship between the authority and the Hawaiian community.
Former HTA board Chairman Aaron Sala and Native Hawaiian advocate Vicky Holt Takamine criticized the board for Wilson’s abrupt removal. Takamine told the board in January that Wilson was responsible for increasing the worth of the authority’s Hawaiian program from $50,000 to $10 million.
At the time, Wilson said she and the tourism authority’s new executive team had different values for the cultural initiative.
Szigeti, who became the authority’s president and CEO in May 2015, said Wilson’s dismissal was a personnel matter.