Tourism executive joins GOP

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By Richard Borreca
rborreca@starbulletin.com

A former Democratic candidate for the state House, Casey Choi, switched to the Republican Party.

Choi, 43, who said he would like to run for office again, is a tourism executive and former vice president of the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Republican Party Chairwoman Linda Lingle called the switch Friday "a very exciting announcement" and said Choi will be a "good leader in the future."

Choi said he did not see "any future with the Democratic Party" and said Lingle will be "Hawaii's greatest governor."

Lingle plans to step down as GOP chairwoman next month to launch her campaign for governor.

Two years ago, Choi lost against Democratic state Rep. Brian Schatz in the Makiki-Tantalus-Manoa state House district, picking up 824 votes.