Former Big Island Mayor Dante Carpenter is the new interim chairman of the Democratic Party of Hawaii.

Carpenter, who has also served as an Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee and a state senator, was chosen by the party's state central committee yesterday to succeed Brian Schatz, who is running for lieutenant governor.

“;I think Dante will serve the party very well,”; Schatz said. “;He's got a lot of credibility. He'll be a great leader in a very important year.”;

Carpenter is to serve as interim head until the 51,000-member party holds its convention May 28-30.

Carpenter, 75, who served as Big Island mayor from 1984 to '88, said he is taking the job only on an interim basis. “;I'm making sure the ball's not dropped,”; he said. “;These are serious times.”;

Carpenter said this is an important year for Democrats, with congressional seats and the governor's office at stake.

He said he wants to make sure the Democratic Party is able to articulate its principles, such as giving people a helping hand and an economic boost when needed.

Carpenter also said he believes the party can be more positive and optimistic.

Asked what he thinks of the election of Republican Scott Brown to Democrat Edward M. Kennedy's U.S. Senate seat, Carpenter said, “;I think it's indicative that people are somewhat whimsical.”;

Carpenter said the Hawaii economy has been slow to recover, so whatever boost the Democrats can lend it is important. “;I'm hoping my experience can help to do some of that,”; he said. “;I guess we got our work cut out for us.”;

Carpenter, a Mililani resident, was elected to OHA in 2002 but lost his Oahu seat in 2006 to former state Democratic Party Chairman Walter Heen.