DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Ikaika Hussey, front left, joined UH students, faculty and others at a sit-in yesterday outside the Bachman Hall office of UH Interim President David McClain. The group of about 30 said they would remain until McClain rules out a proposed Navy-affiliated research center at the university.

Protesters occupy
UH president’s office

McClain says he is not
prepared to rule on
the research center

A group of University of Hawaii students and faculty members began an occupation of the university president's office in Manoa yesterday and vowed to remain there until interim President David McClain terminates a proposed Navy- affiliated research center.

About 20 UH professors and students occupied the foyer outside McClain's office in Bachman Hall yesterday morning. McClain greeted the protesters but told them he is not ready to make a decision on a proposal to designate UH a University Affiliated Research Center.

"So you may be here a long time," McClain said. "Sorry, I don't have any further refreshments or reading material for you, but certainly you're welcome to stay here as long as you feel you need to."

McClain then left and did not return to his office for the rest of the day. The protesters later moved into McClain's office.

The sit-in was held "because we've been ignored," said Bart Abbott, an undergraduate student in political science.

By 5 p.m. the number of people participating in the sit-in had swelled to about 30. University officials allowed them to stay there overnight and posted security.

UH professors have been doing research for the U.S. military for decades, and in fiscal year 2004 received $54 million in sponsored research from the Department of Defense. That research was solicited by the faculty. With a UARC, the Navy directs what kind of research it wants the university to perform, said Noel Kent, UH ethnic studies professor.

The protesters fear the Navy will direct the university to perform secret research on military weapons.

Gary Ostrander, UH vice chancellor for research and graduate education, said the university will not perform research for weapons of mass destruction. He said committees will evaluate what kind of research would be appropriate for UH, and professors can reject research proposals from the Navy.

"It's a different way of bringing money to the institution, and faculty members will have an option to participate and not participate," he said.

Ostrander said the university would begin contract negotiations with the Navy soon. He said a five-year agreement could generate up to $50 million in research grants.