GOVERNOR LINGLE APPOINTS JOHN TONER TO HAWAI`I TOURISM AUTHORITY BOARD

For Immediate Release: May 22, 2003

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has appointed John J. Toner to serve on an interim basis on the Hawai`i Tourism Authority (HTA) Board.  Toner will need to be confirmed by the Senate when the Legislature reconvenes in order to serve a full term. 

“John has dedicated his career to the visitor industry, both locally and on the mainland,” said Governor Linda Lingle.  “Throughout his 30-year career, John has consistently demonstrated his commitment to elevating the tourism industry through strong hotel management, creative destination marketing, and relationship-based community partnerships.  He will bring a broad tourism perspective to HTA.  We are fortunate to have someone of his caliber contribute to our ongoing effort to strengthen the state’s leading industry.”

Toner’s appointment reflects Governor Lingle’s efforts to work with the visitor industry to enhance the composition of the HTA board by adding members with tourism expertise and experience.  Toner’s name was one of three submitted as potential candidates by Senate President Robert Bunda on April 29.

Toner is currently executive vice president of Ko Olina Resort, where he oversees the resort’s operations, positioning, branding and development. 

Previously, Toner served as general manager of various Ritz Carlton resort properties, including Kapalua; Rancho Mirage (Palm Springs, Calif.), and St. Louis; and hotel manager at Ritz Carlton’s properties in Boston and Buckhead (Atlanta, Ga.).  In addition, Toner was the regional director of marketing for The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company’s Los Angeles International Sales Office; director of marketing for The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel (Dana Point, Calif.); director of marketing for the Hyatt Regency Monterey; national sales manager for Hyatt Hotels of Hawai`i; director of conference services, Westin Ilikai Hotel; and director of sales for Aloha Hawai`i Travel. 

Toner has been actively involved in various professional and community boards, including the Governor’s Advisory Board of Tourism; Ronald McDonald House Charities; Sea of Dreams Foundation; Honolulu Chamber of Commerce; Ka Lima O Maui; Mercedes Championships/Kapalua Maui Charities; Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays; and Chaine des Rotissuers, Bailli, Maui Chapter. 

Toner is a graduate of Xavier University, School of Marketing.

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Contact:
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-0034
 
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0034