MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the state’s tourism agency, has announced the appointment of Patrick Fitzgerald as its newest board member. Appointed by Gov. Linda Lingle and confirmed by the state Senate in April, his four-year term began May 6, 2010.

Fitzgerald fills a vacancy that was previously held by former Big Island Mayor Stephen Yamashiro.

“Patrick Fitzgerald understands the importance of our tourism economy, as well as the many facets of the industry, including product development, workforce development and sales and marketing,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of HTA.

“With his broad tourism expertise and ties to the Hawaii Island community, he will be a strong addition that will compliment the HTA board in their efforts to optimize benefits for Hawaii, integrating the interests of visitors, the community and the visitor industry, as outlined in HTA’s Strategic Plan,” McCartney said.

Fitzgerald brings 20 years of tourism industry experience to the HTA board. As the chief executive officer and president of Hualalai Resort and Kona Village Resort, he is responsible for overseeing the asset management, real estate development, sales and marketing, and overall operations of the Four Seasons – Hualalai, Hualalai Resort and Kona Village Resort.

Prior to joining the company in 2005, Fitzgerald served as the president and managing director of Ocean Colony Partners, L.P., owners of Half Moon Bay Golf Links and land within Ocean Colony and areas on the San Mateo, California coast, for 15 years.

He currently sits as the president of the Kohala Coast Resort Association, and is a member of the Board of Directors for Parker School and the Hualalai Ohana Foundation.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority was created in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage Hawaii tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with our economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs.

— Find out more:
www.hawaiitourismauthority.org