Brennon Morioka is resigning as the state’s Department of Transportation director to take a job in private industry.

Morioka accepted a job as executive vice president of Shioi Construction Inc. in Pearl City. His last day with the state is next Thursday.

Mike Formby, deputy director of the Harbors Division, will serve as acting director. Formby is a lawyer by training and was president and treasurer of law firm Frame Formby and O’Kane, Attorneys at Law.

Morioka has been with the state Transportation Department since 2005, when he served as the highways division’s deputy director. He was appointed to Gov. Linda Lingle’s Cabinet in 2007.

Morioka is also a former chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party.

“Brennon has been a visionary leader who has always focused on improving government efficiency and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all the people of Hawaii,” Lingle said.