Dozens apply for job as visitors bureau president

By Kelly Yamanouchi
Advertiser Staff Writer

More than 40 people have applied so far for the job of Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau president.

"Many of them are great candidates, and we are still receiving resumés," said Kathryn Inkinen, president of recruitment firm Inkinen & Associates. The company will narrow the field to four or five candidates and the HVCB board will make the final choice.

The president's job became available after Tony Vericella resigned in July following criticism in a state audit that he inappropriately spent state money for personal use.

Tony Guerrero, HVCB chairman, said local and national candidates are applying for the job.

Among those considering applying for the job is Dalton Tanonaka, who was ousted last month as president of the Pacific Basin Economic Council. He cited his efforts to keep the group's headquarters in Honolulu as the reason behind his firing.

"I want to do something that has direct impact on Hawai'i and obviously tourism remains the No. 1 industry, and if I can play some role in whatever way I would definitely consider it," Tanonaka said.

Warren Haruki, who recently resigned as president of Verizon Hawai'i to pursue other career options, said he was not interested in the HVCB job.