‘It’s not personal’: Senator calls on state DBEDT director to resign

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – State Sen. Kurt Favella continues to call for the resignation of the head of Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).

The Republican lawmaker accused DBEDT director James Tokioka Monday of not supporting the state’s film industry.

“I’m very disappointed in Jimmy Tokioka and it’s not personal. I’m upset because he dares to forget the film industry,” Favella said. “It’s not on life support. It’s dead. We have nothing.”

Some are questioning the timing and motivation of Favella’s latest remarks.

“I don’t think people of reasonable mind would be calling for Jimmy’s ouster in this instance,” said Demont Connor, a Tokioka supporter. “He’s not going to play petty politics with his office, and so for me, for him to be called to step down, it’s kind of egregious.”

Earlier this month, Favella accused Tokioka of not doing enough to reprimand Hawaii Tourism Authority executive Isaac Choy over allegations of a racist remark in 2023 and a chauvinistic attitude toward women.

Tokioka said at the time he had put a written warning in Choy’s personnel file.

Choy was put on leave while the state attorney general investigates the allegations.

Gov. Josh Green says he’ll determine what comes next after the facts have been identified.

Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.