Hawaii Tourism Authority pronounces new members of its Board of Administrators
Governor David Ige recently nominated the three people to the HTA board of directors. Their appointments were confirmed today by the Hawaii State Senate
- The Hawaii Tourism Authority welcomes Dylan Ching to its board of directors
- The Hawaii Tourism Authority welcomes Keith “Keone” Downing to its board of directors
- The Hawaii Tourism Authority welcomes Sigmund “Sig” Zane to its Board of Directors
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is pleased to welcome three new nominees to its board of directors – Oahu and Kauai restaurateur Dylan Ching; Expert Waterman, environmentalist and surf shop owner Keith “Keone” Downing; and renowned co-founder of a well-known clothing brand, cultural practitioner and educator Sigmund “Sig” Zane from Hawaii Island.
Governor David Ige recently nominated the three people to the HTA board of directors. Their appointments were confirmed today by the Hawaii State Senate. Your terms will take effect immediately.
“The HTA Board of Directors is diverse, dynamic, visionary and uniquely qualified to fulfill its fiduciary duties and to lead HTA as the leading tourism agency in our state. This morning I realized that our three new board members, Sig, Keone and Dylan, whom I respect and greet, are all accomplished business people and avid surfers – a combination that illustrates the balance we seek at HTA between community and culture and commerce . Malama pono, ”said John De Fries, President and CEO of HTA.
Dylan Ching is a seasoned hospitality veteran with over 25 years of experience. He is Vice President of Operations at TS Restaurants, which include Dukes Waikiki and Hula Grill Waikiki on Oahu, Keoki’s Paradise in Poipu and Dukes Kauai on Garden Island. Ching is currently a board member of various organizations such as the Waikiki Community Center, the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association, the Waikiki Business Improvement District, and the Bishop Museum Association Council. A graduate of the Kamehameha Schools, Ching received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Diego.
Keith “Keone” Downing is a seasoned Aquarius operator and operator of Downing Hawaii, Hawaii’s oldest surf shop. Keone was born and raised in Honolulu. He is the son of big wave pioneer George Downing, a pioneer, competitor, coach, student, innovator, and one of the last Duke Kahanamoku-mentored Waikiki Beach Boys. Keone is a principal member of the nonprofit Surfing Education Association, also known as Save Our Surf, through which he is committed to conserving Hawaii’s oceans, coral reefs, waves, and beaches. Keone is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and California School of Arts and Crafts.
