They were loud. They were united. And their message was crystal clear.

About two dozen protesters shouted "Rex Johnson has to go!" in unison as they carried placards and marched yesterday down Waikiki's Kalakaua Avenue — in the heart of Hawai'i's tourist mecca. "Just say no!"

Alphonso Braggs, president of the Hawai'i chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, organized the protest as a way to elicit petition signatures calling for Johnson's ouster as head of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority.

"Today, we are protesting to urge the Hawai'i Tourism Authority to either fire Rex Johnson as the CEO and president, or to urge him to step aside or resign," said Braggs at the start of the march.

"The reason we are doing this is because Rex Johnson, as CEO and president, on paid time, sent out racist, sexist and pornographic material from his computer. It does not matter that he simply forwarded them. It was over a period of time. It wasn't a singular incident."

The protesters also made it clear that they consider the HTA board's refusal to suspend Johnson inexcusable.

Following the protest march, Johnson issued a statement reiterating his regret over the e-mails.

"I again want to apologize to the people of Hawai'i," it said. "Forwarding offensive e-mails was a lack of judgment on my part and a terrible mistake. While it is not a reflection of my character or beliefs, I understand the seriousness of my actions. I am truly sorry for offending anyone as this was not my intent."

He added, "I believe the state has had access to the e-mails which were the subject of recent news articles and upon which I was disciplined. The HTA board and I reached resolution on this matter and I regret that they have to deal with this situation again."

Johnson also said he would continue to work on behalf of the HTA, and that he would abide by any decision the board makes.

Protester Kathryn Xian, who is with Girl Fest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing violence against females through education and art, said the HTA board's decision not to fire Johnson sends a message to the public that racism and sexism are acceptable.

Braggs frequently broke ranks from the other marchers to hand out information sheets or explain to spectators about the controversy that has surrounded Johnson since early August, when it was reported that adult-oriented material was found in his government e-mail account. Johnson admitted that he'd received the e-mails and forwarded them to friends, and said he was sorry.

In late August, the HTA board voted unanimously to retain Johnson, but it cut Johnson's $240,000 annual salary by $40,000 and reduced his four-year contract to one year.

But the situation escalated this month after it was revealed that Johnson's e-mails had also included material considered racist and sexist, and Gov. Linda Lingle called for Johnson's ouster. However, the HTA board stuck with its August decision.

"Today, the citizens are speaking — not the corporate heads," said Braggs. "And these are the people who are being affected."

The only trouble was, many bystanders watching the parade had no idea who Rex Johnson is.

"Not a clue," said one tourist, from Illinois. "Whoever he is, though, they don't like him."

Michael Kodama, who works for a Waikiki travel agency, was equally mystified.

"I have no idea what this is about," he said as he stopped to watch the spectacle.

Jeff and Marluce Peters of Australia listened to Braggs and were moved to sign the petition.

"I've never heard of Rex Johnson, but I don't like racism or sexism," said Jeff Peters as he signed the form.

Waikiki resident William Smith didn't hesitate to sign the petition.

"Johnson is supposed to be bringing tourism to Hawai'i — not racism," said Smith.

Bill Diss and Don Norby of the Big Island were also among the more than 300 people who eventually signed the petition.

"He just made a stupid mistake," said Norby. "You don't get on your business e-mail in your work place and incorporate your personal e-mails, especially when it comes to porno and whatever slapstick stuff he was dealing with. He ought to know better than that."

But Kodama, the travel agent — once he realized who Johnson is and that he'd heard about the situation in the news — said that while Johnson's actions were wrong, the man had probably learned his lesson.

John Penebacker, a longtime friend of Johnson's, wasn't at the protest but said those involved had every right to express their opinion. However, he said he doubted that many of the protesters had bothered to get to know Johnson.

"How can you call for someone's ouster and question their character when you've never even met him?" he said.

But Braggs said the issue is not whether Johnson is a good man who has done good deeds.

"This is about whether or not Mr. Johnson's unethical, inappropriate, racist and sexist behaviors are in direct conflict with this significant position of public trust."