Hawaii Governor appoints members to Tourism, Land Boards

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

HONOLULU, Hawaii – Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the nominations of Sean Dee to the board of directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) and Wesley Furtado to the Board of Lan

HONOLULU, Hawaii – Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the nominations of Sean Dee to the board of directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) and Wesley Furtado to the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR). Both are interim appointments subject to state Senate approval. The term for Dee’s at-large HTA seat begins July 1, while Furtado’s at-large BLNR seat is effective immediately.

“Sean and Wes are proven leaders who each bring extensive knowledge and insight to state government,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “I am confident their experience and leadership will be vital in guiding state government as we work to sustain our thriving visitor industry and manage and protect our natural assets.”

Sean Dee of Honolulu is currently executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Outrigger Enterprises Group, Hawaii’s largest locally owned hotel company, and has more than 67 years in Hawaii’s visitor industry. As a key member of Outrigger’s leadership team, he is responsible for developing and deploying global marketing and brand strategies for the company’s portfolio of premier resorts and accommodation choices in Hawaii and across the Asia-Pacific region and the Indian Ocean. From 2009 to 2013, Dee served as executive vice president, chief marketing officer and president of global branding for Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. While at AEG, Dee was appointed to the board of directors and executive committee for L.A. Inc. (now known as Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board), a nonprofit that oversees all tourism and convention center sales and marketing efforts on behalf of the city and county of Los Angeles. Prior to AEG, Dee was chief marketing officer for Hard Rock International, Inc. from 2004 to 2009, global digital marketing director and vice president of brand marketing at Levi Strauss & Co. from 1996 to 2002, and vice president and director of digital development at Foote, Cone & Belding from 1989 to 1996. Dee earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Stanford University.

Wesley Furtado, a resident of Kailua, brings to the BLNR more than 26 years of work experience at the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). Since 2000, he has been ILWU International Vice President, Hawaii, responsible for directing and administering ILWU programs and policies at both a national and local level in Hawaii. In addition, he works with the state’s ILWU affiliates, Locals 142 and 160, along with the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific, Hawaii Region. Furtado is a member of the ILWU International Executive Board and participates on the ILWU Local 142 Executive Board. He is also a member of the Executive Boards of the Hawaii State AFL-CIO and the Asian Pacific Labor Alliance. A second generation longshoreman, Furtado was a shop steward, longshore unit officer and longshore negotiating committee member. An ILWU organizer from 1987 to 1989, he worked on and led campaigns to organize workers in Hawaii in various industries. From 1989 to 2000, Furtado was an international representative for ILWU, organizing companies and negotiating first contracts and contract renewals.

Hawaii Tourism Authority

Established in 1998, the HTA is the lead state agency for tourism. Among its responsibilities, the HTA is charged with setting tourism policy and direction with the goal of contributing to the ongoing, sustainable growth of Hawaii’s economy; developing and implementing the state’s tourism marketing plan and efforts; managing programs and activities to sustain a healthy visitor industry; developing and implementing the Hawaii Tourism Strategic Plan; and coordinating tourism-related research, planning, promotional and outreach activities with the public and private sectors.

Board of Land and Natural Resources

The Department of Land and Natural Resources, headed by an executive BLNR, is responsible for managing, administering and exercising control over public lands, water resources, ocean waters, navigable streams, coastal areas (except commercial harbors), minerals and all interests therein within the State of Hawaii, as well as 750 miles of coastline.

The Office of the Governor oversees more than 180 boards and commissions established by the state constitution, statutes or executive orders.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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