Hannemann Resigns as HTA Chair Amid Audit Concerns

Mufi Hannemann has resigned as chair of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) amid controversy over the use of HTA resources for events tied to two nonprofits he oversees, namely the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association and the Pacific Century Fellows. A state audit revealed procedural deficiencies at the Hawaii Convention Center, resulting in $14,000 in unpaid services. Although no fraud was found, concerns about public trust and potential misconduct led to the referral of the case to the state attorney general and ethics commission. Hannemann stated he did not seek 'freebies' but resigned to minimize distractions and protect the reputation of his organizations. The HTA board has elected Todd Apo as the new chair and is now emphasizing the importance of clear policies and accountability. The board is focused on restoring public and legislative trust in the agency while maintaining the integrity of the state's tourism sector.