Regent selection process
questioned in UH speech

Hawaii residents might want to rethink the selection process for the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, said a trustee for the UH Foundation.

Frank Boas made the comments yesterday in the keynote speech at the UH summer commencement exercises at the Stan Sheriff Center.

"The lesson which I have learned from recent events is that prior to the start of a search for a new UH president, the people of Hawaii might first wish to reconsider the selection process for the Board of Regents," said Boas.

"I personally believe that the time has come for the establishment of a nonpartisan commission to nominate the regents of the University of Hawaii."

Some graduates called Boas' remarks inappropriate for the ceremony, while others agreed with his opinion.

Boas shared his comments about the process after he praised former UH Presidents Evan Dobelle, Albert Simone and Kenneth Mortimer.

"Each was controversial, each had his own particular vision for the University and I believe wholeheartedly that all three have made lasting and positive contributions to make the University of Hawaii a great university," said Boas.

"As we all know, if great institutions survive and prosper, it is because they thrive on what is positive and discard what is negative."

Jodie Atkinson, 26, said she was upset by Boas' comments.

"It was uncalled-for," said Atkinson, who received a bachelor's degree in ethnic studies.

Atkinson added that the focus of the speech should have reflected more on the celebration of the graduates.

"I would've taken a 'reach for the stars' speech than what he gave," she said. "The subject is graduates and not the politics of the university."

Elizabeth Foster, 34, said, "I think it's an excellent idea.

"Anything we can do to level the playing field," said Foster, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Boas, a retired international attorney, was selected as the 2004 national recipient for the Jefferson Award for Public Service. He is chairman of the UH Foundation's gift planning committee and member of the Pacific-Asian Legal Studies advisory committee at the William S. Richardson School of Law. He is also president of the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council.

Regent Trent Kakuda would not comment on Boas' remarks, but noted that he did not applaud.

Regent Kitty Lagareta said, "I think, frankly, having a community advisory group would make the process more politicized than it currently is. You just add another layer."

"Since both the state auditor and the Deloitte & Touche report that the regents commissioned discovered numerous fiscal irregularities there at the foundation, it would probably serve the university best if Mr. Boas concentrated on getting the foundation on track."

Of the selection process for board members, Lagareta said, "When we have a governor of a different political party picking regents for the first time in 50 years, people like Mr. Boas suddenly want to change it."

Regents are currently appointed by the governor and approved by the state Senate.

About the current regents, acting UH President David McClain said, "They care deeply about the university, and they always have the university as the first and foremost thing in their best interest."

Attorney Rick Fried, who represented Dobelle in a mediated settlement reached with the Board of Regents, said he thought it was an excellent idea to have a nonpartisan commission nominate regents.

For graduates who disagreed with Boas' opinion, Fried said, "As alumni, I would think they would want the best selection process for the president."

He added that Boas' opinion was "highly appropriate" for the commencement address.

"I think he's trying to make sure the presidency remains above the perception of politics," he said.

Fried noted that he is confident that Dobelle, who is in Wichita, Kan., would echo his comments on Boas' speech.