The search for a new president and CEO for the state's lead tourism agency may be narrowed to one or two finalists by the end of next month, according to a private consultant.

The Hawai'i Tourism Authority board received an update yesterday Jim Carra, of the Mainland search firm, SearchWide. The board indicated it has paid the firm $90.000 to conduct the search.

The agency's former president, Rex Johnson, resigned under pressure last year from his $200,000 a year position. He came under fire after it was revealed that he had forwarded e-mails on his state computer that contained jokes that included sexist, racist and X-rated content.

Carra said it's likely that the full board will interview the finalists toward the end of February. He said there has been "a large response" of applicants from Hawai'i as well as interest nationally and internationally.

Despite the current tourism slump in Hawai'i and across the nation, Carra said applicants are coming forward.