HONOLULU, Hawaii – The always outspoken former legislator Robert Herkes went before the Senate Committee on Tourism on Monday, a first step in the approval process for his nomination to the Board of Directors for the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

The committee is chaired by Hilo Senator Gil Kahele, and it gave everyone a chance to hear some of Herkes’ ideas for a healthier tourism industry.

Herkes was supported in public testimony delivered by Peter Fithian, who has worked side by side with Herkes for many years during the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament in Kona.

Herkes also had some specific ideas for revitalizing tourism in Hilo.

The other nominees were Denise Yamaguchi, Donna Domingo, Randolph Perreira, and L. Richard Fried, Jr. All will need the approval of the full senate.