"Russell's past experience working for DLNR, and also counseling DLNR as one of its assigned deputy attorneys general, will allow him to help make an immediate positive impact on the operations of the department," Lingle said in a news release.

Tsuji has served as the state lands administrator for DLNR, where he headed the Land Division which is tasked with managing approximately 1.3 million acres of state land.

The state is the largest landowner in Hawai'i, and the Land Division is responsible for ensuring that these lands are managed in ways that will promote the well being of Hawai'i's people and insure that these lands are used in accordance with the state's public land trust obligations.

Before working for DLNR, Tsuji was with the Department of the Attorney General, where he counseled DLNR and other state agencies in real estate matters. Over the years, Tsuji has been involved in significant state projects such as the disposition of lands to The Salvation Army for the Ray and Joan Kroc Center in Kapolei; the acquisition of lands for the Maui Lani Elementary School, the leasing of lands for the Maui Wind Farm project; and the leasing of lands to KOYO, USA, a water bottling company operating at the state's Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai'i Authority on the Big Island.

Prior to working for the State of Hawai'i, Tsuji was in private practice with the Law Offices of Reuben S. F. Wong, a firm that concentrates in real estate law and litigation. Tsuji is an Arbitrator with the Court Annexed Arbitration Program, and a member of the Hawai'i State and American Bar Associations.

Tsuji is a graduate of Washburn Law School and the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.