T. Ilihia Gionson joins the Hawaii Tourism Board as a public affairs officer

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The Hawaii Tourism Board announced that T. Ilihia Gionson, a longtime public affairs and community engagement expert from the island of Hawaii, will join the organization as its public affairs officer. He will start working at HTA on November 1st.

Gionson brings more than a decade of experience developing and executing HTA strategies for federal, state and local government, corporate and nonprofit organizations.

Most recently, he was the founder and director of Hiehie Communications, where he provided strategic integrated communications and publicity services to a number of clients across Hawaii in the hospitality, renewable energy and sustainable development sectors.

He also served as sales representative and communications director for Hawaii for US Representative Tulsi Gabbard from 2018 to 2020 and as assistant and communications director to the late Mayor of Hawaii Billy Kenoi from 2011 to 2016.

In this newly created position, created by the recent reorganization of HTA, Gionson will be responsible for anticipating, collecting, analyzing and interpreting opinions, attitudes and issues that affect the organization and its mission, Mālama KuÊ»u Home ( Taking care of my beloved home) through the principles of regenerative tourism. He will also work with the HTA board of directors, executives and staff to formulate communications and disseminate information to HTA stakeholders and the public on how the organization’s activities improve the well-being of the community. In addition, he will be responsible for HTA’s government relations, media communications, issue management, corporate and social responsibility programs, information dissemination and strategic communications.

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“Ilihia brings a strong background in community building and government relations to our HTA leadership team and we are excited to have him continue to implement our strategic plan,” said John De Fries, President and CEO of HTA. “Effective communication and engagement are an important part of building stronger collaboration between tourism and the community. His knowledge of the unique tapestry of Hawaii and Hawaiian culture has made him an effective strategist and communicator throughout his career. “

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With many years of experience in managing clients inside and outside Hawaii in sensitive and challenging situations, Gionson is familiar with geographical and socio-economic nuances on the islands. As a Kamaʻāina of Oʻahu and Hawaii Island, he is fully bilingual and trained in the Hawaiian language and culture.

“The visitor industry is part of the fabric of Hawaiian society and enhances our potential to heal the world with the values ​​that have guided us for generations,” said Gionson. “The industry has grown in a way that today challenges us to rebalance, realign and set new priorities. I hope to continue the important work already being done at HTA to build trust between the industry, the community and our elected executives through clear and responsive communication. At the end of the day we are all neighbors and ohana in this house we love. “

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