Search on for Lingle tourism minister

By Kelly Yamanouchi
Advertiser Staff Writer

The search for a Cabinet-level tourism liaison has attracted nearly 100 applicants, and the head of the search committee said she intends to submit names of at least three finalists to Gov.-elect Linda Lingle "hopefully within the next week."

Marsha Wienert said she did not know whether finalists' names would be made public. Lingle, who is on the Mainland this week, has said some Cabinet jobs will be filled in time for her Dec. 2 inauguration. She already has received names of three finalists for health director.

The tourism search committee, which includes industry executives and representatives from island visitor bureaus, has been interviewing candidates on O'ahu. The governor-elect likely will conduct more interviews with finalists, though Lingle did not promise to choose from among those forwarded by the committees, according to transition team chairman Travis Thompson.

In addition to reviewing resumes, the committee is looking for candidates. Wienert said the job description has not yet been finalized.

"I would think it would have to be someone with industry experience," said Wienert, also executive director of the Maui Visitors Bureau. "It's not a prerequisite, but it'd be nice to at least know how government works.... Sometimes it's easier to have a little background in it than be slapped in the face with it."

Les Enderton, executive director of the O'ahu Visitors Bureau and a member of the search committee, said Lingle wanted someone at the Cabinet level to keep her informed about how the visitor industry would be affected by decisions in departments such as Transportation, Land and Natural Resources, and Health.

"My belief is that Gov. Lingle's intention is to leave the oversight of tourism to the Hawai'i Tourism Authority," Enderton said. He said the position would not be a "classic" minister of tourism position, promoting Hawai'i at trade shows and events.