The Hawai'i Tourism Authority tapped its chief administrative officer yesterday to take over as interim president and CEO the day after embattled agency head Rex Johnson resigned.

Lloyd Unebasami, 59, took over the job immediately and will lead the agency while a search is conducted for a permanent replacement for Johnson, who resigned Wednesday after coming under public criticism for forwarding jokes that included racist, sexist and X-rated material from his state computer.

In his previous post, Unebasami earned $165,000 a year, but he said it's unclear if he will earn more while filling the CEO job.

Unebasami said he will work with staff and the board to move forward during this turbulent time, with the state's top industry continuing to decline.

"I think right now we have to work on the economy and our total marketing program for Hawai'i," he said. "I think at HTA we have a very good working team, and with that team, we will work towards making tourism better for Hawai'i."

HTA Chairman Kelvin Bloom yesterday would not comment on what Johnson will be paid in severance after resigning. He also left after the meeting without answering questions about the selection process, timetable or desired qualifications related to finding a new chief executive.

Unebasami said he was not aware of Johnson's severance package. "I'm not sure if there is anything to be aware of at this time," he said.

The 16-member board — 12 of whom have voting rights — announced Unebasami's appointment after meeting behind closed doors for about an hour.

Bloom praised Unebasami for his experience in a variety of government positions.

Unebasami will oversee day-to-day operations of the agency and assist HTA during the transition period.

Bloom said a firm will be hired to search for a new CEO. There also will be a search committee that includes board members.

State tourism liaison Marsha Wienert said she won't be a candidate for the permanent replacement. Asked why, she replied: "It is not the right thing for the HTA."

Wienert serves on the board as a nonvoting member.

The board yesterday also approved a move to shift an additional $2 million from other programs to marketing, added to an additional $4.5 million reallocated to help boost the state out of its tourism slump.

Wienert said she believes the additional money — a total of $6.5 million — this year added to $53.5 million in budgeted marketing dollars is adequate for now.

Gov. Linda Lingle had called for $10 million in additional money to help the state's No. 1 private industry out of its decline.