"I'm excited to be the chair and excited about the elections next year," said Aiona, executive director of the state's Office of Community Services who will celebrate his 40th birthday in August.

The primary goals of the party will be to re-elect Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. Aiona, and gain seats in the state Legislature, Sam Aiona said.

"We know it's going to be a tough race but we have the people to make it happen," said Aiona, who succeeds Brennon Morioka as party chairman. "We have a lot of people expressing interest in running and at the convention, we saw more young people, high school and college Republicans, getting involved."

Republicans plan to send a message that Democrats are responsible for government that is a burden on small business in Hawai'i, especially from the lack of workers' compensation reform, the new party chairman said.

"We have the best candidates we can ask for (in the state's top offices), the lowest unemployment rate in the nation and an economy that's booming," Aiona said. "We're going to send the message that when Gov. Lingle said she would open the door to businesses in Hawai'i, she meant it."

Aiona, who has a degree in political science, said his involvement in politics dates back to 1982 when he worked on the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign of the Andy Anderson-Pat Saiki ticket. The St. Joseph High School and University of Hawai'i-Manoa graduate was elected in 1996 to the state House and served one term.

"We're going to work harder than ever and the great showing at this year's convention is a good indication of support," Aiona said.

Reach Rod Ohira at 5354-8181 or rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.