Lingle said Liu has an "an impressive" business management background at local, national and international levels.

"His credentials, worldwide contacts and keen understanding of international business and investment strategies will be major assets in positioning Hawai'i as a place that is open for business," Lingle said.

Liu is a co-founder and partner of PacifiCap Group, LLC, a Honolulu-based private equity firm focused on venture capital investment, middle market equity, debt and strategic transactions and corporate finance consulting.

Lingle said Haraga, a licensed civil and structural engineer who is currently a project manager with KFC Engineering Management, has "the management experience, technical expertise and creativity to come up with viable, long-term solutions."