David Chang, the chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party, will step down to concentrate on military and business commitments, sources say.

Former congresswoman Patricia Saiki is expected to be named the new party chairwoman, sources say.  

The state GOP announced on Wednesday that the party’s executive committee would hold a special meeting on Wednesday evening in advance of a major announcement on Thursday morning.

Chang serves in the Hawaii Army National Guard and has military and business commitments that require travel.

Chang was selected party chairman in November 2011, replacing Jonah Kaauwai, who had resigned after falling out of favor with allies of then-Gov. Linda Lingle.

Chang is married to state Rep. Beth Fukumoto.