The parallels are striking.

Or rather, the similarities between new Hawaii High School Athletic Association executive director Christopher Chun and outgoing chief Keith Amemiya are beyond coincidental.

Chun, 35, is only two years older than Amemiya was when the latter left the field of law to become the steersman of Hawaii high school sports. Like Amemiya, Chun has practiced civil litigation. Amemiya used that skill to serve statewide administrators, coaches, players and the public for 11 years.

With Amemiya now working for the University of Hawaii's Board of Regents, it's Chun's turn at bat.

Chun, an 'Iolani graduate, played some baseball at the prep level, but downplays that. He has been general counsel for the Oahu Interscholastic Association for a half-decade, and also helped the HHSAA through various legal matters with the blessing of his boss, attorney Lyle Hosoda.

If Hosoda's name sounds familiar, he played on Punahou's football championship team in 1977. Hosoda also supported Chun's decision to pursue the HHSAA position.

“;The world is litigious. I don't know if the law drew me to this job, but sports is my passion,”; said Chun, who has a sense of humor about his new task. “;I'll miss my co-workers, my boss and having a private life.”;

Amemiya set a new bar in his tenure, bringing classification to the state tournaments, adding more girls championship sports and, ultimately, uniting the community in a fund-raising drive that netted $1.3 million for athletic departments stricken by budget cuts. Chun has confidence in his ability to keep the wheels turning.

“;Being a lawyer, you deal with clients and business people. My background has helped me with social networking,”; he said. “;I understand what a great job Keith has done for the student-athletes of Hawaii. My focus, especially in these times with furloughs and economic cuts, is to help in any way I can.”;

When Amemiya was hired, he envisioned a five-year timetable. Chun wants to serve as long, or longer, perhaps.

“;It's something I've had my eyes on for a while. I imagine myself doing it for a long time,”; he said.

Chun's first day is March 1.

“;I'll talk with Keith and learn what works and doesn't work,”; he said. “;My ultimate goal is to work with every league. I understand sometimes they have differences, but I know they want to do what's best for their kids.”;