Posted on: Friday, May 13, 2005
Ex-legislator on his way to leading local GOP
Advertiser Staff
Former state Rep. Sam Aiona is expected to be elected chairman of the Hawai'i Republican Party when GOP faithful meet on Kaua'i this weekend for their annual convention.
He would replace Brennon Morioka, who has been chairman of the local GOP office since December 2002.
Morioka said that, as of yesterday afternoon, Aiona was the only candidate. Others seeking the post would need to have a nomination form signed by 25 convention-goers turned in by the time the convention formally begins tomorrow at the Kaua'i Marriott.
"No one I know has requested nomination forms," Morioka said.
Among those attending the convention is Jo Ann Davidson, co-chairman of the Republican National Committee. Keynote speaker on Saturday is slated to be developer Jeff Stone.
Aiona is the appointed executive director for the Office of Community Services, a division of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Aiona, 39, served in the state House of Representatives from 1996 to 1998. He is a cousin of Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona.
Sam Aiona
