Lingle picks Big Isle attorney
as state’s chief negotiator

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Star-Bulletin staff

Gov. Linda Lingle has once again tapped neighbor island residents to serve on her cabinet.

Lingle today announced that Ted H.S. Hong, a Big Island attorney, will serve as the state's chief negotiator and will head the state Office of Collective Bargaining.

Hong has an extensive background in employment and labor law, and most recently served as grand jury counsel for the Third Circuit Court.

The governor also announced that Richard T. Bissen Jr., Maui prosecuting attorney, will serve as First Deputy Attorney General.

Bissen has been the Maui County prosecutor since August 1995.

Lingle has already named Maui resident Georgina Kawamura as state budget director.