Hawaii Family Advocates has appointed Duke Aiona as its interim executive director, “a change that will strengthen the organization’s ability to speak for families across the state,” according to a press release from the group.

Aiona, the unsuccessful Republican nominee for governor in 2010 and 2014, said in a statement, “It is an honor and privilege to be offered this opportunity to serve as the Interim Executive Director of Hawaii Family Advocates.”

Aiona added, “I am grateful to the outgoing president, Jim Hochberg and the members of the board for their confidence and support of my skills and capability to fulfill and achieve HFA’s mission of fortifying and preserving our country’s fundamental values and rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. I look forward to being a part of this mission.”

Former Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona at the Hawaii State Capitol in May 2014.

©PF Bentley/Civil Beat

HFA “supports traditional marriage, meaning one man and one woman” and opposes abortion and euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide.

Hawaii Family Advocates describes itself as “the citizen action arm” of Hawaii Family Forum with a mission “to ensure that the voices of families are represented in the halls of the legislature and in elections,” according to a press release. “Both organizations are associated with a nationwide network of state-based family policy councils guided by Citizen Link and Focus on the Family.”

Last month, it was reported that Aiona would continue his legal practice and also co-host the “808 State Update” daily radio show on KKNE, with producer and co-host Dawn O’ Brien.