Lum says he was asked to step down

Kenneth Lum said yesterday he resigned from his post as interim manager of Aloha Stadium at the request of Bob Awana, Gov. Linda Lingle's chief of staff.

"I was asked to resign last week," Lum said. "I think they probably have some people selected to start the new management team."

Awana could not be reached last night, and phone messages left with Lingle spokesmen were not immediately returned.

Stadium Authority chairman Kevin Chong Kee said Monday he was surprised by an e-mail from Lum stating his intent to resign. Chong Kee said yesterday he was unaware of any immediate plan to install a new manager. He said he intended to meet today with acting deputy manager Scott Chan, and with the authority members at their regular monthly meeting April 26.

Lum became interim manager in 2005 when Eddie Hayashi retired. The Stadium Authority has failed to find a permanent manager after two searches. The first search, completed in March 2006, resulted in two finalists (one believed to be Chan), which the Stadium Authority rejected. A second more recent search (which included national advertising) was "unsuccessful," Chong Kee said.

The job pays $81,000 per year.

Lum, 82, had a long career managing and owning food and restaurant enterprises. He was active in Lingle's successful gubernatorial campaigns.

Yesterday, Lum said he supports promoting Chan -- a holdover from a Democrat-controlled Stadium Authority -- to permanent stadium manager.

"I enjoyed my time there, very much. It's a good staff," Lum said. "I'm very hopeful for Scott Chan. I hope he gets the job. You can't find a better man for it."

Peter Lum said his father has never considered politics in personnel matters.

"He just doesn't look at party lines, but who's right for the job. He's not the type to put some political crony in there," Peter Lum said.

After the first search, Chan was promoted from assistant events manager to his current job.

Chan, who was out of state yesterday, was unavailable for comment.