The Hawai'i Tourism Authority Board has agreed to retain Rex Johnson as president and CEO of the state's top tourism agency under a new contract that reduces his annual salary from $240,000 to $200,000.

"The HTA Board of Directors has carefully and thoroughly reviewed the matter. We are pleased to have resolved this issue and Rex has the board's full support going forward," said HTA Board Chairman Kelvin Bloom.

In a written statement, Bloom said,"He has apologized to the board for his misuse of his state laptop and we have accepted his apology but sternly warned that any future infractions will be treated more severely."

He said the board also issued a verbal and written reprimand.Johnson has admitted receiving and sending adult-oriented e-mails on his state computer.

"I appreciate all of the support shown to me by members of the community, visitor industry and staff," said Johnson. "Once again, I apologize for my error in judgment which put the board in a very difficult position. As I have said before, I will abide by the board's decision. I want to thank the board for their confidence in my ability to lead HTA as we move forward to address the challenges facing the tourism industry."