Retired UH secretary tapped for service award

David Iha has given more than 40 years in university work

David Y. Iha, retired secretary for the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, has been named the recipient of the university's 2007 Willard Wilson Award for Distinguished Service to the University.

Iha was chosen for having more than 40 years of service to UH.

He served as a former member of the UH Office of the Board of Regents for nine years, an administrative official and director of administrative services of Kauai Community College for 28 years. He also saw the Kauai college through Hurricanes Iwa and Iniki.

Iha, an advocate for international education, established exchange programs for students from Okinawa and Kauai Community College for more than 20 years.

He also has been recognized with the 1986 State of Hawaii Governor's Award for Employee of the Year, the UH Manager of the Year Award in 1993 and the UH Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award in 1988.

Iha is currently on the Hawaii Public Schools Foundation and Community Links of Hawaii, and will be recognized with other UH award winners at a systemwide awards ceremony in September.