Willes Lee was elected Hawai'i Republican Party chairman yesterday.

Lee, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy who was nominated to West Point by U.S. Sen. Spark Matsunaga, was elected unanimously by Hawai'i's GOP delegates. Lee is a retired Army officer and airborne Ranger with degrees in engineering and public administration.

Other changes announced by the state GOP leadership yesterday included election of Marie Laderta as vice chair for the coordinated campaign. Gae Bergquist-Trommold becomes vice chair for candidate recruitment. Steve Bretschnieder was made vice chair for communications. Barney Ho becomes vice chair for community service. Eric Barsatan is vice chair for coalitions. Kathi Thomason is treasurer and Sheila Leas is secretary.