Bev Harbin, a small-business advocate, was appointed yesterday by Gov. Linda Lingle to replace state Rep. Ken Hiraki, D-28th (Iwilei, Downtown, Makiki), who resigned to become governmental affairs director at Hawaiian Telecom.

Harbin has been serving as the president of the Employers' Chamber of Commerce, a loosely knit group of small-businesses that discuss tax, workers' compensation and healthcare issues.

"I really know the needs of our local and our small business community," said Harbin, who used to be a small-business consultant for the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i. "It's a voice that (Democrats) have been a little afraid of listening to."

Harbin was not among the Democratic Party's recommended candidates, in part because she joined the party shortly after Hiraki announced his resignation so she could be considered for his replacement. Under state law, Lingle had to choose a Democrat to replace Hiraki but could make her own selection.

"Bev has worked closely with all branches of state and local government, the private sector and the community to address the concerns of the Downtown-Kaka'ako area, as well as to create a more business-friendly environment statewide," the governor said in a statement.

Several Democrats had hoped Lingle would not choose Harbin over more established Democrats.

Tom Brower, the party's communications director, said party officials were pleased the governor filled the vacancy quickly. "We look forward to her contributions to the community," he said of Harbin.

Harbin said she has supported Democrats in the past but understands that some people within the party might be disappointed. "There are those who think I don't march to the same drummer," she said.

Harbin will be sworn in Monday and will fill the remainder of Hiraki's term, which ends in 2006.

In a statement, House Speaker Calvin Say congratulated Harbin. "I've had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Harbin for many years," he said. "She is well known in the community as a small-business advocate, and I hope that she will be a productive contributor to the House on small-business issues."

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.