Lawrence M. Reifurth, deputy director of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs the past four years, was appointed director of the department yesterday by Gov. Linda Lingle.

He replaces Mark Recktenwald, whom the governor has named as chief judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals.

"Larry's experience as DCCA deputy director ... as well as his prior responsibilities in various DCCA divisions, will ensure a seamless transition as we continue to carry out the department's mission of helping Hawai'i businesses be successful and protecting consumers from fraud and unfair business practices," Lingle said in a news release.

Reifurth's ties with the department extend almost two decades.

He was the state insurance commissioner in 1994 and a deputy attorney general representing the department's division of consumer advocacy between 1989 and 1994.

Prior to joining the Lingle administration, Reifurth worked for the law firm of Oshima Chun Fong & Chung.