Gov. Linda Lingle has nominated local tourism executive Ron Williams to serve on the board of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority.

He would fill the vacancy left by former board member John Toner, of Ko Olina, who resigned.

Williams, who is president and chief executive officer of Atlantis Adventures, is a Maui resident who commutes to O'ahu for work.

He serves on the board of the Activities & Attractions Association of Hawai'i and is a past president of that organization.

The Senate Tourism Committee today recommended approval of the nomination with four senators voting yes, and one excused.

If approved by the full state Senate, his term would expire June 30, 2010.