Privacy Policy
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) owns MeetHawaii.com and respects your rights to privacy, security and knowledge of what happens with information you may share or generate through this site. Our official Privacy Policy below explains what personal information we collect, why it's useful and how we keep it safe. Please note that by visiting this website, you are accepting the procedures explained in this Privacy Policy.
I. Who Does This Privacy Policy Apply To?
This Privacy Policy applies to the conduct of HTA, and those independent contractors who operate portions of this website on HTA's behalf, insofar as their conduct relates to this website. When we use the terms "website" or "this website", we mean those webpages and website described and defined in the Terms and Conditions of Use.
This Privacy Policy does not apply to the practices of companies that HTA does not own or control, or to people that HTA does not employ or manage. Third party websites that you connect to through this website are not under HTA's control and are subject to their own privacy policies rather than this Privacy Policy. For more information about linking to third party websites through this website, please see the Terms and Conditions of Use.
II. What Information Does HTA Collect?
In order to serve you better, it is necessary for HTA to collect certain information. The type of information that HTA collects depends on what you do when you visit our website.
A. Information That You Provide to Us
In order for us to respond to your requests for information, requests for proposals, and/or to send you a free copy of the meeting planner guide, you will need to provide us with some personal information about yourself and your potential meeting. The information that we collect includes: (1) your name; (2) your company name; (3) your title; (4) your postal address; (5) your e-mail address; (6) your telephone number; (7) your fax number; (8) your website; (9) whether you would like to receive specials offers and promotions via e-mail; (10) whether you would like to sign up for the Meet Hawaii e-newsletters.
B. Information That We Collect Automatically
We also collect certain types of information automatically whenever you access and use our website. Some of this information is stored in cookies (see the next section for a discussion of cookies). Examples of the information we collect automatically include: (1) the Internet protocol (IP) address of the computer you are using; (2) the browser software you are using; (3) your operating system; (4) the date and time you access our website; and (5) the Internet address of the website from which you linked directly to our website.
C. Cookies
Cookies are pieces of information that we transfer to your computer's hard drive through your Web browser for record-keeping purposes. We use cookies to store some information that enables us to improve your experience at our website in a number of ways. Cookies also help us to learn about how and when people use our website so that we can determine which parts of our website are popular and which need to be modified to be more useful. Although cookies do identify a website user's computer, cookies alone cannot personally identify a user.
Your Web browser only allows us to access the cookies we have already sent to your computer, not the cookies that other websites have sent. We do not and cannot use cookies to retrieve any information from your computer that we did not put there in the first place.
You can adjust your Web browser to refuse all new cookies, to notify you whenever you are about to receive a new cookie, or to disable cookies completely. Most web browsers also offer users the ability to control the placement and duration of cookies. Search for "cookies" under the web browser's Help menu for more information on cookie management features available. Please note, however, that many parts of our website will not function properly if you do not allow cookies.
D. Action Tags
Action tags, which are also known as Web beacons or pixel tags, are small invisible images that are placed in certain areas of our website. When an action tag is triggered by someone using our website, that information is logged in an external vendor system and is linked to that user’s anonymous cookie ID. We use action tags to gather information about our website and to improve our website so that it can better meet your needs.
E. Collection of Information by Third Parties
We work with third parties to serve advertisements about HTA and the State of Hawaii across the web. These third parties may use tracking technologies to collect anonymous data about users who view or interact with advertisements or our website. When you interact with, view, or click on an advertisement or visit our website, the third party might collect non-personally identifiable information about you, such as an anonymous cookie ID, the specific advertisement that you clicked on, and the time and place of delivery.
Third parties may use tracking technologies, such as cookies and action tags, when serving advertisements. These common technologies are used for auditing, research and reporting purposes. Third party cookies and action tags are subject to the privacy policy of the company placing them. For information about opting out of third party cookies, you may visit the Network Advertising Initiative at www.networkadvertising.org.
You can adjust your Web browser to refuse all new cookies, to notify you whenever you are about to receive a new cookie, or to disable cookies completely. Most web browsers also offer users the ability to control the placement and duration of third party cookies. Search for "cookies" under the web browser's Help menu for more information on cookie management features available.
F. Collection of Personal Information from Children
HTA believes that it is extremely important to protect children's personal information. As such, HTA does not collect any personal information that can be identified with anyone under the age of 16. In fact, as discussed in our Terms and Conditions of Use, no one under the age of 16 is allowed to use any features of this website that result in our actively collecting personal information.
G. Demographics
On this website, we collect demographic data from Google's Interest-based advertising with Google Analytics. You can opt out of Google Analytics for Display advertising and customize Google Display Network ads using the ads setting. If you prefer to opt out, please click here.
III. What Does HTA Do with the Information It Collects?
The primary reason why we collect information from you is to provide you with the services that you request and to enhance your experience at our website. Services such as the free mailing of the meeting planner guide would be impossible without the personal information that you provide to us. In addition to our internal use of the information we collect, your personal information is used to help make sure that you receive all the information you requested.
While we believe that the more information you have about Hawaii the more likely you are to choose us as your meeting destination, we also understand that you value your privacy. If you would prefer that HTA not e-mail you any periodic updates about Hawaii and/or not share any personally identifiable information about you with any third party, all you need to do is tell us. Just email us at info@hvcb.org and let us know about your preference.
Please be advised, however, that we reserve the right to disclose any personal information about you without your prior consent if we have a good faith belief that such disclosure is necessary to: (1) conform to legal requirements or comply with valid legal process, such as a search warrant, subpoena, or court order; (2) protect our rights or property; (3) enforce the provisions of the Terms and Conditions of Use; or (4) prevent harm to you or others.
HTA sometimes shares with third parties certain nonpersonal, summary information about the people who use our website. This information is not personally identifiable in any way and consists of facts such as the average numbers of visitors to our website per day and the most popular sections of our website.
Also, as discussed in more detail above, information resulting from action tags being triggered is logged in an external vendor system and is linked to that user’s anonymous cookie ID. None of this information is personally identifiable information.
IV. What Kind of Security Does HTA Use to Protect Your Privacy?
We know that when you provide us with any type of information, you're trusting us to keep it safe from unauthorized intrusion. We take all reasonable steps, through the use of updated security software and protocols, to ensure that your personal information is safe.
V. What Do You Need to Do to Protect Your Personal Information?
You have several options when deciding how you can best protect your personal information. One option is simply not to volunteer any personal information. Another option is to configure your Web browser to refuse all new cookies, to notify you whenever you are about to receive a new cookie, or to disable cookies completely. However, many parts of our website will not function properly if you do not allow cookies. The Federal Trade Commission's website also offers useful information about how to protect your personal information while on the Internet.
VI. How Can You Find Out What Personal Information Is on Record?
We believe that it's important for you to be able to find out what personal information you have provided to us through our website. If you have completed an on-line Personal Information Form, you can email us at info@hvcb.org and ask us what information we have on record about you. If you haven't completed an on-line Personal Information Form, then we don't have any personally identifiable information about you.
VII. How Can You Correct the Personal Information on Record with Us?
We know that you want the information we have on record about you to be as complete and accurate as possible. We feel the same way, since maintaining accurate information is essential to our efforts to give you the best possible experience when you visit our website. That's why we encourage you to correct any information that might be outdated or otherwise invalid. It's easy to make changes. Simply email us at info@hvcb.org.
VIII. How Can You Get Additional Information About HTA's Privacy Policy?
For additional information about our Privacy Policy, please email us at info@hvcb.org or by postal mail at 2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801, Honolulu, HI 96815 USA.
IX. What Can You Do About Violations of This Privacy Policy?
If at any time you believe HTA has not adhered to the principles set forth in this Privacy Policy, please notify us and we will make all commercially reasonable efforts to promptly correct the problem. We can be contacted at info@hvcb.org or by postal mail at 2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801, Honolulu, HI 96815 USA.
X. Amendments to HTA's Privacy Policy
From time to time, it may be necessary for HTA to amend this Privacy Policy. You are responsible for regularly reviewing this Privacy Policy so that you will be aware of any changes. However, if we make any substantial changes in the way we use your personal information, we will notify you by posting a prominent announcement on our website. Please note that your continued use of this website means that you accept the amendments to this Privacy Policy.