Tourism officials declined to disclose the value of the deal, citing a confidentiality agreement with Disney, but original discussions had revolved around a multiyear agreement worth $3.9 million.

David Preece, vice president-North America for the bureau, said the marketing agreement announced today is for one year. The value of such a deal has been estimated by some at less than $2 million.

Bureau and Disney officials said in a statement today that the agreement also includes provisions for supporting future video and DVD releases and a possible television series, indicating that terms for yearly renewal may be considered.

It was unclear today what action might be taken by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which provides state money to the bureau for tourism marketing. The authority had recently scrutinized the bureau for negotiating with Disney before receiving approval from the authority, which said it must evaluate and approve bureau expenditures of more than $500,000. Tourism authority officials could not be reached for comment today.

The authority's marketing consultant, Frank Haas, said earlier this week that the deal needed to be evaluated by the board, which was scheduled to review it at a special meeting Monday. Haas said he has evaluated the deal and indicated that the staff would recommend board action at that time.

Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, D-15th (Kalihi Valley, 'Aiea) has said that she intends to hold a hearing on the issue. Kim, chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs, cited the state auditor's recent criticism of the tourism authority for entering into marketing deals before official approval had been sought.

Disney representatives and bureau officials spearheading the deal could not be reached for comment today.

Cherise McVicar, senior vice present of national promotions for Disney, and Ignacio Darnaude, senior vice president of international marketing for Buena Vista International, made the official announcement with Vericella this morning.

In a statement, Disney and the bureau said the deal is the first of its kind in the motion picture industry, which "promises support for "Lilo & Stitch" franchise initiatives worldwide."

Specific benefits for the Islands include cross-promotion on the Web, Hawaii-themed film premieres across the country, as well as movie tickets given as rewards to travel agents, said Preece.

The June 16 premiere in Los Angeles featuring the Kamehameha Schools children's choir will be nationally telecast on ABC, a subsidiary of Disney, and messages about Hawai'i will be included in the DVD.

"Our global, fully-integrated relationship with Disney will provide us with creative ways to encourage people to visit the Islands of Aloha, to experience 'ohana for themselves and at the same time encourage them to see this truly special film," Vericella said in the statement.