Republican chief moving to state job

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

The chairman of the Republican Party in Hawai'i is leaving to take a job as deputy director of the state Transportation Department, Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday.

Brennon Morioka, an engineer, will be responsible for overseeing highway projects at the department.

Morioka, 35, took over as the party's chairman in December 2002, succeeding Micah Kane, who was appointed director of state Department of Hawaiian Homelands.

Transportation director Rod Haraga has handled most highway projects, DOT spokesman Scott Ishikawa said. The department has three other deputy directors, in charge of airports, harbors and administration, he said.

Morioka last week said he wanted to leave his Republican Party job to return to engineering work, but that he had not decided on a new job at the time.

He is a graduate of Iolani School and received a doctorate in engineering from the University of Hawai'i-Manoa.

Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or at mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.