Hong, 45, was assistant corporation counsel to former Big Island Mayor Stephen Yamashiro through most of his term from 1992 to 2000. In the waning months of the administration, he was named corporation counsel, succeeding Richard Wurdeman, who had resigned.

As chief negotiator, Hong will take the lead for the state at the bargaining table with government worker unions. Contracts for all 13 bargaining units will be up for negotiations in the coming months.

Known as a labor attorney, he has been in private practice since 2001. He was among a group of Democrats to publicly support Republican Lingle in the governor's race, and was one of several Hilo coordinators for the campaign.

Among his duties on the Big Island was his defense of the privatization of the Pu'uanahulu Landfill in Kona when the United Public Workers brought suit against Hawai'i County.

Hong said this morning his role then was an advocate for the county and that he does not believe his history with worker unions will affect his impartiality.

"This is a more collaborative position, it's something that you need to cooperatively go out there and try and work out solutions," Hong said. "I will treat my counterparts in the public sector unions with respect, I will treat them courteously and cordially. I will always have an open door to anybody who wants to meet and talk with me not only with respect to the union bosses but the rank-and-file."

Hong said he will do his best to keep Lingle's promises to not lay off government workers or take away benefits they already have, but added that he also has a duty to taxpayers and to be "a good steward of government funds."

Lingle also announced the appointment of Maui Prosecutor Richard T. Bissen Jr. as first deputy attorney general. The announcement follows the appointment of Mark Bennett as attorney general.