Message to Supporters from Sen. Donna Kim May 20, 2014

I speak out not in favor of any candidate, but in the best interest of the students and the University. This is such an important decision. Finding the best candidates far outweighs the Regents excuses for why they are only left with two candidates.

Therefore, I am supporting the UH Manoa Graduate Student Organization and its resolution vote of “no confidence” in the search process, and I call for the Board of Regents to re-open their search.

Petition to Re-Open UH President Search

Please join us by signing this online petition asking the Board of Regents to re-open the search for the University of Hawaii President.  This is too important of a decision.

LINK >>> PETITION

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Statement by the Board of Regents on the Presidential Search

News Release from UH May 20, 2014

We understand that some are advocating that the Board reopen the search for the President of the University. They cite concerns that the Selection Committee forwarded only two names to the Board for its consideration.  The Selection Committee’s final report recounts the circumstances that led to this situation:

"With only three remaining candidates, Committee members discussed whether the candidate pool should be revisited to supplement the current list or, alternatively, should the search be reopened.  The members agreed not to return to the candidate pool because the five initially selected appeared to be significantly more aligned with the Committee’s criteria than the others. The members also advised against reopening the search because a renewed public effort at that late date was unlikely to garner equal or better candidates in comparison to the three who remained." (Page 4 of Final Report) 

The Board concurred in the Committee’s recommendation.

The Board believes that to open the selection process at the 11th hour would do significant damage to the University.  Selection Committee members met with at least 60 groups of stakeholders and others who cherish the University, and incorporated their views in the search. The Board believes both candidates are well-qualified and capable of leading the University.