Three key board members of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority plan to meet again today to discuss what action to take regarding president and CEO Rex Johnson, who has admitted to receiving and forwarding "adult-oriented" e-mails on his government computer.

The authority's administrative standing committee met behind closed doors for three hours yesterday before recessing and scheduling another meeting for today.

Johnson has admitted he showed poor judgment and apologized for his action and now awaits the action of the board. "It was a huge mistake," he said.

He said he understands his actions were an unauthorized use of state computers and contrary to state personnel guidelines against accessing sexually explicit material.

Johnson has served in the job since 2002. Several legislative leaders indicated they disapprove of his actions but believe he should stay on the job as the state's No. 1 private industry struggles with a worsening slump.

Authority chairman Kelvin Bloom would not say what recommendations were being discussed beyond saying it concerned "the evaluation of the president and chief executive officer."

Johnson's e-mails were discovered by the state auditor as part of an ongoing investigation of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and an audit of the HTA's major contractors.

The tourism authority falls under that state agency, but is governed by an appointed board with 12 voting members and four nonvoting members.

State information technology policy prohibits sexually explicit e-mails but provide for a broad range of action against those found in violation. The policy says: "Violation of this policy by users may result in immediate revocation or curtailment of computer usage, disciplinary action that may include discharge from employment, and/or civil and criminal liability."

The e-mails, which contain X-rated movie clips, slideshows and photographs of adult nudity, fall outside the scope of the auditor's investigations but she reported it in late June to the Lingle administration and House and Senate leaders.

Johnson, who is paid $240,000 a year, is evaluated annually by the board.

Bloom was joined at the meeting by the other two board members who serve on the committee: Sharon Weiner and Doug Kahikina Chang.

The full board is scheduled to discuss Johnson on Tuesday in a special meeting.