Two new members named to Hawai‘i Tourism Authority board, including former Kaua‘i state representative

Hawia‘i Gov. Josh Green has named two new members of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Board of Directors, one of whom is a former Kaua‘i County Council member and state legislator for the island.

James Kunane Tokioka is director of the Hawai’i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Most recently, he served as deputy director for the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation’s Airports Division. Tokioka previously served 10 years as a member of the Kaua‘i County Council, beginning in 1996, and went on to serve 16 years as a member of the Hawai‘i House of Representatives.

Prior to his public service, Tokioka worked his way through the hospitality industry in Hawai‘i and throughout the United States, doing everything from bussing tables to managing hotels and owning restaurants.

Blaine Miyasato is the managing director of state government affairs at Hawaiian Airlines, with nearly 40 years of experience in the airline industry. He was Hawaiian Airlines’ first vice president of in-flight services and the first rank-and-file employee on the airlines’ executive team. Miyasato brings a breadth of experience across multiple disciplines to the board, including marketing, advertising, promotions, brand management, product development and business process improvement.

Born and raised in Hawai‘i, he began his career at Hawaiian Airlines as a flight attendant in 1985.

Miyasato and Tokioka began their terms on the board July 7. Those terms expire June 30, 2026. Miyasato’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Hawai‘i Senate. Tokioka will serve as an ex officio voting member.

They succeed Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Board Chairman George Kam and member Keone Downing, whose terms ended June 30, 2022. They remained on the board in a holdover status.