A Big Island community liaison and an apparel and sporting goods company executive are starting terms on the Hawaii Tourism Authority board.

The agency said Monday Gerald De Mello and Rodney “George” Kam began serving immediately after the state Senate confirmed their nominations last week.

De Mello is the community liaison for the University of Hawaii at Hilo. He is a member of the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii. De Mello is a Hawaii Island representative on the board.

Kam is vice president and senior director at Quiksilver. He also serves the Waikiki Business Improvement District’s board. Kam is an at-large member of the tourism authority board.

Their terms will expire in 2018.