Regents to get
second chance

A Senate panel agrees to reconsider
full terms for Lingle’s interim
nominees to the board

The Senate Higher Education Committee is taking the unusual step of holding a second public hearing for two of Gov. Linda Lingle's nominees to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents.

John K. Kai and Ramon S. de la Pena were appointed by Lingle as interim regents in June and September, respectively.

Higher Education Chairman Clayton Hee said their nominations to full terms were in trouble after their initial hearing on April 7.

"I was extremely disappointed with both because of their answers, particularly with their familiarity with the budget," said Hee (D, Kahuku-Kaneohe).

He decided to hold another hearing out of courtesy to some of his colleagues and members of the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, who have since come forward to support the nominees.

"I'm really doing this out of an abundance of courtesy to some of the members who have strong feelings about the individuals as people, as opposed to as regents," he said.

Neither Kai nor de la Pena immediately returned telephone messages seeking comment yesterday.

Senate Republicans defended the governor's nominees and said they appreciated Hee's reconsideration.

"The two gentlemen who went before the Higher Education Committee the last time have both expressed concerns about how nervous they were," said Minority Floor Leader Bob Hogue (R, Kaneohe-Kailua). "They both have said that they didn't feel that they came across as well as they possibly could have.

"I am hopeful that those who are in attendance at this new hearing come with an open mind and come to listen to what these two gentlemen have to say."

The hearing is scheduled for Monday. No public testimony will be accepted.

Hee said the hearing is a chance for the nominees to better prepare themselves for specific questions from senators.

Hee said he was concerned that the nominees did not demonstrate a working knowledge of university policies and operations on issues such as stem cell research, classified research and genetic modification, despite having been in their posts on an interim basis for several months each.

"I expect the two interim nominees to respond favorably and with some modicum of expertise," Hee said on the Senate floor. "We expect answers, and this opportunity gives these interim appointees yet another chance to prove that they know what they're doing on the Board of Regents."

While unusual, it is not against the rules to hold a second hearing for the nominees.

"As far as rehearing them, that is really the chairman's prerogative," said Senate President Robert Bunda (D, Kaena-Wahiawa-Pupukea). He said he could not recall any other time when a second hearing was held for a governor's nominee to the board.

Kai, who represents the Big Island, is president and co-founder of Pinnacle Investment Group and is host of a morning stock market update and market commentary on radio station KPUA. He previously served as a financial consultant for PaineWebber Inc. and Merrill Lynch Inc., both in Hilo.

De la Pena, who represents Kauai, has served as a professor emeritus with the university's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources since 2001. He previously was an agronomist and professor from 1983 to 2001.