The head of the Hawai'i Republican Party will support the current national GOP chairman in a six-candidate contest to determine who will be highest-ranking Republican in the country.

Willes K. Lee, chairman of the Hawai'i GOP, says he wants current Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan to retain his position.

Republicans are meeting Jan. 30 to vote.

Lee says he supports Duncan because Duncan has a wealth of experience as RNC chairman since January, 2007, and as general counsel and treasurer before that.

Lee is one of three Hawai'i members on the Republican National Committee. The others are Miriam Hellreich, finance director for Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona's campaign committee, and state Transportation Department Director Brennon Morioka.