Privacy Policy
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Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy for GoHawaii.com
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority ("HTA") knows that you value your privacy. That is why we want to make certain that you understand our policies and practices regarding your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains the type of personal information we collect, what we do with it, what we don't do with it, and how we keep it safe. By visiting this website, you are accepting the practices described 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 create your personalized website experience and/or to send you a holiday planner in response to your "Info Request", you will need to provide us with some personal information about yourself. The information that we collect includes: (1) your name; (2) your postal address; (3) your telephone number; (4) your e-mail address; (5) how you heard about our website; (6) how many times you have visited Hawaiʻi; (7) when you plan to visit Hawaiʻi next; (8) your reason for visiting Hawaiʻi; (9) the islands you plan to visit; (10) the activities that interest you; (11) your age; (12) who will be travelling with you; (13) whether you have made reservations for your trip to Hawaiʻi; and (14) whether you would like to receive destination updates and information about Hawaiʻi via e-mail.
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 Hawai‘i 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, such as the personalized "My Hawaiʻi" website feature.
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 personalized "My Hawaiʻi" website and the free mailing of the Islands of Aloha holiday planner would be impossible without the personal information that you provide to us. We also use the information we collect to make sure that our website provides you with the resources you need and the level of quality you expect. For example, information about the sections of the website that people visit most frequently and least frequently helps us to decide which features website users find useful and which features need some changes.
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 need to make your stay in Hawaiʻi as pleasant as possible. One way we do this is by using your e-mail address to send you periodic updates about Hawaiʻi. We also sometimes share your name and postal address with companies that we believe you might be interested in hearing from. These companies might contact you directly to let you know about special deals and unique opportunities that could make your holiday in Hawaiʻi more enjoyable.
While we believe that the more information you have about Hawaiʻi the more likely you are to enjoy your visit, we also understand that you value your privacy. If you would prefer that HTA not e-mail you any periodic updates about Hawaiʻi 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 [email protected] 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 non-personal, 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. This approach would prevent you from taking advantage of several of our website's most useful features, such as the personalized website 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 contact us by email at [email protected] 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 contact us at [email protected].
VIII. How Can You Get Additional Information About HTA's Privacy Policy?
For additional information about our Privacy Policy, please contact us at [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
Click here for our GDPR FAQ
Accessibility Statement:
Gohawaii.com is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability. We are actively working to increase the accessibility and usability of our website and in doing so adhere to many of the available standards and guidelines.
This website endeavors to conform to level Double-A of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1. These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible for people with disabilities. Conformance with these guidelines will help make the web more user-friendly for all people and most importantly our site visitors.
This site has been built using code compliant with W3C standards for HTML and CSS. The site displays correctly in current browsers and using standards compliant HTML/CSS code means any future browsers will also display it correctly.
While Gohawaii.com strives to adhere to the accepted guidelines and standards for accessibility and usability, it is not always possible to do so in all areas of the website. However, our website will continue to be assessed on a recurring basis from both engineering and user-experience perspective, including the use of assistive technology (such as screen readers and screen magnifiers), and the involvement of users with disabilities who use such assistive technologies.
Contact Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority with Your Accessibility Questions/Feedback:
We are continually seeking out solutions that will bring all areas of the site up to the same level of overall web accessibility, but please be aware that these are ongoing efforts. In the meantime, should you experience any difficulty in accessing the Gohawaii.com website, please don’t hesitate to contact us. If you do encounter an accessibility issue, please be sure to specify the web page/URL in your email, and we will make all reasonable efforts to address your concerns.