Several state legislators have called for the removal of Hawai'i Tourism Authority CEO Rex Johnson, joining Gov. Linda Lingle and other community leaders in seeking Johnson's ouster.

Republican Sens. Gordon Trimble and Sam Slom said the controversy over Johnson's use of his state computer to forward racist and sexist e-mails has damaged his ability to lead the state agency that markets the state's largest industry.

"My feeling is he should been fired a long time ago," said Slom R-8th (Kahala, Hawai'i Kai). "He's an embarrassment to the state."

Rep. Alex Sonson, D-35th (Pearl City, Waipahu), said many of his constituents in his Central O'ahu district want to see "see something done about the situation."

Sonson is running against Senate Tourism Committee Chairman Clarence Nishihara in tomorrow's primary. Nishihara D-18th (Waipahu-Pearl City), who did not return calls yesterday, has supported Johnson in the past.

"It's about maintaining public confidence in government by doing what's right," Sonson said.

Johnson could not be reached for comment yesterday. He previously called the e-mails "stupid" and denied that he was a racist or sexist.

Several tourism executives yesterday expressed their support for Johnson, citing his record of leadership during difficult times.

Murray Towill, president of the Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association, said Johnson "stepped up" the agency's response to the abrupt shutdowns of Aloha Airlines and ATA Airlines.

Towill added it's not a good time for changes at HTA given the economic difficulties the tourism industry now faces.

"He made a serious error and that has created real problems for himself," said Towill. "I think he has done a good job as the head of the HTA."

Former HTA board member Kalowena Komeiji said she's known Johnson for 10 years and said he's not a racist or a bigot.

"You have to look all the people who are his friends: They represent all walks of life," Komeiji said. "This man is not what is characterized in these e-mails."

Johnson, HTA's chief executive officer since 2002, was previously reprimanded by the HTA's board after 23 adult-content e-mails were found on his computer. Last month, the HTA's board cut his annual pay by $40,000 to $200,000.

Last week, Lingle called for Johnson's removal after The Advertiser disclosed the e-mails, which were obtained through the state's open-records law.

Johnson met yesterday with Alphonso Braggs, president of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, to apologize for the e-mails.

Braggs, who has called for Johnson's removal, said Johnson asked him if he was willing to reconsider his calls for removal.

"I explained to him that I could not do that," Braggs said. "Basically, I said that there's two options here: The board can let him go or he can do the noble thing and step aside."

Braggs said the NAACP will hold a news conference at the state Capitol this morning. If Johnson remains on the job after next week, Braggs said the NAACP and other community organizations are prepared to hold a protest rally in Waikiki.