Reifurth, who has been the department's deputy director since January 2003, will replace Mark Recktenwald, who the governor appointed as chief judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Recktenwald's appointment was backed by the Senate earlier this month.

"Larry's experience as DCCA deputy director over the past four years, as well as his prior responsibilities in various DCCA divisions will ensure a seamless transition as we continue to carry out the department's mission of helping Hawai'i businesses be successful and protecting consumers from fraud and unfair business practices," Lingle said in a news release.

Prior to joining the Lingle-Aiona administration, Reifurth worked for the law firm of Oshima Chun Fong & Chung. He also has had extensive experience working for and with DCCA under a prior administration. In 1994, he served as the state's insurance commissioner. Reifurth also represented the Division of Consumer Advocacy as a deputy attorney general from 1989-1994. Both the insurance and consumer advocacy divisions are located within the DCCA.

DCCA is made up of 12 divisions and offices. The major services of these divisions and offices are: