Scope: The successful bidder will be responsible for a range of communications and public affairs activities,
working directly with the PAO to ensure messaging consistency and alignment with HTA’s core
values and goals. The services required include, but are not limited to, the following:
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS PLANNING
i. Collaborate with the PAO to develop an annual comprehensive communications
strategy that aligns with HTA’s mission and goals.
ii. Assist in the development of key messages and narratives about HTA’s programs and
results, management of tourism, with an emphasis on sustainability, cultural
preservation, and community engagement, and benefits of tourism to Hawai‘i’s
residents.
a) Support the PAO to develop and maintain a library of off-the-shelf
presentations, templates, and talking points to tell the HTA story.
ii. Provide strategic recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of HTA’s
communications and public relations efforts.
iii. Develop and implement a media outreach plan to support HTA’s initiatives and events.
iv. Develop and implement a crisis communications plan in collaboration with the PAO
and HTA leadership to address tourism-related issues and potential tourism-related
crises.
a) Plan should include a determination of crisis levels and appropriate responses
b) Support the PAO to maintain a library of crisis messaging templates.
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEDIA OUTREACH
i. Establish and maintain relationships with local, national, and international media
outlets, journalists, bloggers, and influencers.
ii. Support the PAO to create and distribute press materials, including press releases,
media advisories, fact sheets, and media kits to key stakeholders.
iii. Coordinate media outreach efforts, including pitching stories, arranging media
interviews, and facilitating press tours.
iv. Compose and pitch op-eds for placement in major Hawaiʻi newspapers, securing a
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minimum of one op-ed placement in a major Hawaiʻi newspaper for every two months
of contract engagement.
v. Support the PAO in handling media inquiries and serving as a liaison between HTA
and the press.
vi. Track the outputs of all contractor’s PR and media efforts.
vii. Monitor and analyze metrics to assess engagement and recommend improvements to
increase visibility and audience engagement.
DIGITAL MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT
i. Manage and enhance HTA’s digital presence on social media platforms, including
Facebook, Instagram, X formerly Twitter, and LinkedIn.
ii. Collaborate with the PAO to create and distribute content for digital platforms,
including videos, blog posts, social media updates, and graphics.
iii. Monitor and analyze social media metrics to assess engagement and recommend
improvements to increase visibility and audience engagement.
iv. Develop and execute social media campaigns in collaboration with the PAO to promote
tourism, sustainability efforts, and community involvement.
EVENT SUPPORT AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
i. Assist the PAO in coordinating public-facing events, including press conferences,
public appearances, community outreach events, meetings to assist with HTA’s
planning department’s efforts, and media briefings.
ii. Provide support in the development of event messaging, presentations, speeches, and
materials for event attendees, including media and community partners.
iii. Manage the logistics of media and community relations during events, ensuring a
seamless experience for all stakeholders.
CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES (Separate Billable Section)
i. Provide counsel and support to HTA during crises, including media relations, public
statements, stakeholder communications, strategic outreach and the surge capacity to
execute on recommendations including drafting talking points and messages.
ii. Monitor media coverage and public sentiment during a crisis, providing regular
updates and recommendations to the PAO and HTA leadership.
iii. Support the PAO in managing press conferences, media briefings, and public-facing
communications during crisis situations.
iv. Serve as a resource to HTA during activations of HTA’s Department Operations Center
for natural disasters, health-rxelated crises, major interruptions, and other emergencies.
Note: Crisis communications services will be billed separately, either on an hourly
basis or as a retainer, depending on the scope of services required during a crisis event.
Due Date: 2:00 P.M. HAWAIʻI STANDARD TIME (HST) ON MAY 30, 2025
