Hawaii tourism executives fine for not disclosing airline upgrades
A state ethics commission has reprimanded and fined Hawaii tourism executives, including Hawaii Tourism Authority CEO George Szigeti for accepting seat upgrades on Asian airlines during the course of business travel.
State rules require all employees to travel economy during official business.
Four tourism officials were accused on asking for and accepting upgrades from Japan Airlines, China Airlines and Air China on one or more occasions and not disclosing the ‘gift.’
The commission imposed penalties of $12,000 against Szigeti, Hawaii Tourism Authority COO Randy Baldemor, Jadie Goo, director of marketing for China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia and David Uchiyama, who was former vice president of brand management.
Beyond the fines no other action will be taken.
All the executives acknowledged they had accepted the ‘courtesy upgrades.’
"Settlement agreements are reached instead of going through the full formal process," said Daniel Gluck, executive director of the Ethics Commission.
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