6 regent picks
find smooth sailing

A Senate committee will
likely recommend confirmation
of Lingle's UH nominees

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By Pat Omandam
pomandam@starbulletin.com

The state Senate Education Committee is expected to recommend tomorrow the confirmation of Gov. Linda Lingle's six nominees to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents.

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The six appointees appeared before the panel yesterday to answer questions about their selection, including whether they can act independent of any political influence coming from the Republican Lingle administration.

All received overwhelming testimony in support of their appointments, which would last through June 2007.

Five of the six nominees are Lingle supporters, while the sixth, Trent Kakuda, is an intern with Sen. Robert Bunda (D, Wahiawa), Senate president. Kakuda's term as a student regent would expire in June 2005.

Nominee Kitty Lagareta, who has been one of Lingle's strongest supporters and was a key player in her 1998 gubernatorial campaign, told the panel yesterday there is no hidden agenda about her selection.

The chairwoman and CEO of Communications Pacific Inc. said she believes the governor chose her for her independent streak.

Lagareta said she doesn't intend to follow "herd mentality" on board issues and will speak out where appropriate if her views go against a majority of the 12-member board.

"And I intend to do that," said Lagareta, who added all she wants is to help the university achieve its mission.

Another nominee questioned about his ability to handle political influence was Shelton Jim On, an attorney and certified public accountant.

Jim On responded he will comply with all state conflict-of-interest guidelines and does not see the UH Board of Regents as "a political football" between the Republican state administration and the Democrat-controlled Legislature.

"We're just people with specialized knowledge to assist the university," he said.

Jim On faced some stern questioning from Senate Vice President Donna Kim (D, Kalihi Valley-Halawa) after he declined to say what his positions were on particular UH issues, such as on the community colleges and total autonomy.

Jim On responded he needs an opportunity to study university issues firsthand and agreed to return in a year to share his opinions about UH with the committee.

"You wouldn't want me to speculate," he said.

Other nominees to the board are Byron W. Bender, a UH emeritus professor of linguistics; Edward D. Sultan, a businessman; and Alvin Tanaka, also a businessman.

Senate Education Chairman Norman Sakamoto (D, Salt Lake-Foster Village) urged the nominees to meet with senators, as well as House members, before their confirmation vote, which must occur before the Legislature adjourns on May 1.

Earlier this month, House Speaker Calvin Say (D, Palolo) has suggested the Senate delay confirmation of the regents-nominees until the university provided them with a detailed orientation on UH operations.