Morale cited in
hospital resignation

By Rod Thompson
Star-Bulletin

HILO -- Staff morale problems caused by the authoritarian management style of Hilo Hospital Administrator Robert Morris led to his sudden resignation last week, state Sen. David Matsuura said.

Morris, contacted at his home on hospital grounds regarding Matsuura's opinion, quietly responded, "My God." But as he did last week, he declined to comment.

Miles Takaaze, spokesman for the Hawaii Health Systems Corp. which runs the hospital, repeated that Morris resigned for personal reasons which the corporation cannot discuss.

Matsuura said he heard some time ago that there was "a lot of discord" at the hospital, and he met with Morris.

When reports continued, Matsuura said he told corporation President Thomas Driskill about a month ago, "It's going to blow up soon."

Matsuura said he recommended new management. But he said he was surprised at the suddenness of the announcement Thursday, with Morris being replaced the same day.

Besides the alleged morale problems, Morris recently placed an advertisement in the local newspaper saying closure of the dilapidated long-term care facility at the hospital was under consideration.

Takaaze said that was part of a larger statewide proposal. Each region in the corporation, including the East Hawaii Region administered by Morris, has considerable autonomy in presenting the idea to the public, he said.