University of Hawaii officials are awaiting a written opinion from the state Supreme Court that they hope will clarify what will happen with its governing board now that six of the 15 regents can no longer serve.

On Thursday the court ordered Gov. Linda Lingle to nominate new regents to the board from a list provided by the Regents Candidate Advisory Council on Feb. 21 and ruled Lingle violated the law by “;holding over”; six regents after their terms had expired on June 30.

UH President David McClain said yesterday it is “;business as usual”; at the university and that the uncertain status of the governing board is not affecting day-to-day operations. “;We're still educating kids,”; he said.

McClain and Board of Regents Chairman Allan Landon said it is too early to know whether decisions made by the board since July 1 will be invalidated or what will happen next with the board. They are waiting for the court's written opinion explaining the Thursday order, and they hope it will clarify those questions.

A board meeting scheduled for yesterday was canceled.

Landon indicated that holdover regent Kitty Lagareta, who was rejected by the Senate for a new term on the board, would likely continue to serve on a committee that is advising the board on the selection of the next UH president. McClain is scheduled to step down in July.

Lagareta has experience with a presidential search from her time as board chairwoman when she led the effort to find a replacement for former President Evan Dobelle.

Landon said the members of the search committee were selected as community members, not to represent constituencies.

“;We chose experienced leaders that know what they are doing,”; Landon said. “;These are people who are qualified ... regardless of their regent status.”;

Lagareta said yesterday she is “;happy to help out.”; But if Landon or the chairwoman of the search committee asks, she would also step down, she said.

Lingle said Thursday that she would comply with the court's ruling to appoint new regents within 30 days.

Senate Higher Education Chairwoman Jill Tokuda said yesterday that she hopes to hold confirmation hearings for the regent nominees next month, soon after the Legislature goes into session on Jan. 21.

Two of the held-over regents ordered off the board by the court could possibly still serve.

Former Kauai regent Ramon S. de la Pena and student regent Michael Dahilig are on the list of candidates screened by the advisory committee and could be nominated by the governor. Dahilig has graduated from law school and is on the list for an at-large seat.

Grant Teichman, former UH-Manoa undergraduate student government president, is the likely nominee as the student regent. The other candidate, Joshua Wingstrom, was withdrawn as a nominee after opposition developed to his appointment.

Teichman said yesterday he would serve if asked.

“;Hopefully,”; he said, “;there will be a smooth transition forward.”;