Lingle fills UH
regent vacanciesThe governor names a state negotiator
and a former GOP leader on an interim basis
Gov. Linda Lingle named state negotiator Ted Hong and Jane Tatibouet, a former Republican state representative and GOP chairwoman, as interim appointments to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents.
"Ted Hong and Jane Tatibouet are proven public servants who have broad backgrounds and experiences in the public and private sectors that will greatly enhance the work of the Board of Regents," Lingle said.
"I have the utmost respect for these two individuals, and I know they will have only the best interest of the university and the community at heart while they serve on an interim basis," Lingle added.
Two of Lingle's first six appointments to the Board of Regents failed to win confirmation in the 2003 legislative session. One reason cited for rejecting the nominees, Shelton Jim On and Edward Sultan, was that none of the appointees were from the Hilo area of the Big Island, the site of the state's second-largest university.
Hong, an attorney, is a former Hilo resident and former deputy county attorney for the Big Island.
Tatibouet is a former trustee of Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and now serves on the Cornell University Council.
Senators had also criticized Lingle's appointments for not being prepared or having a background in university management.
Lingle said Tatibouet has taught extensively in hotel management at UH and has lectured frequently at the UH Travel Industry Management School.
Sen. Norman Sakamoto, Education Committee chairman, and Senate President Robert Bunda were not available yesterday for comment on the new appointments.
Hong is the state chief negotiator and in charge of the office of collective bargaining. He has worked as an attorney for the law firm Roehrig Roehrig Wilson Hara & de Silva in Hilo.
Hong is a graduate of the Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii-Manoa undergraduate program, and Leilehua High School.
Both appointments will last until the Legislature convenes next year. At that time, Lingle can nominate either of them or both of them for a full term.
University of Hawaii