ハワイ旅行･ホテル･ショッピング･グルメ･求人

Rex Johnson, the head of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), faced a closed door meeting last night to determine the fate of his $240,000-a-year job. Johnson, the agency's president and chief executive officer, faces possible termination for using a state computer to e-mail pornography to friends. After a short public hearing, the Tourism Board met for seven hours to discuss the issue, but were unable to come to a clear decision about the case.

Ten members of the HTA's 12-member board deliberated during yesterday's meeting. Public support for Johnson was strong, with about 52 people submitting written testimony and nine people testifying in support, while only three people submitted unfavorable testimony. There were indications, however, that not all pleased with the situation. It was suggested last night that many in the hotel industry were reluctant to speak out against Johnson because of strong support from the legislature.

Since the e-mails were discovered, Johnson has openly admitted that he had sent the messages, but insists that it will never happen again.

The board said that it plans to make a decision within the next few days.