The union representing University of Hawaii faculty said it is still waiting for a court hearing on its challenge of the administration's decision to make a unilateral pay cut of 6.7 percent.

The first paychecks reflecting the cut were issued yesterday, affecting some 3,700 faculty on 10 University of Hawaii campuses.

University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Executive Director J.N. Musto said a request for a temporary restraining order was filed on Jan. 6, and his union is still waiting for a hearing date in Circuit Judge Derrick Chan's courtroom.

Musto said the pay cut imposed by university President M.R.C. Greenwood is in violation of the union's contract.

“;We believe playing by the rules and honoring your word is important in collective bargaining,”; Musto said.

“;Although we have not yet received a court hearing date, we have faith in the justice system.”;

University officials said the union contract expired on June 30.

Greenwood made the decision to impose the pay cut after Gov. Linda Lingle, facing revenue shortfalls, restricted funds to the university.

Greenwood announced on Dec. 28 that talks with the union had reached an impasse and that the university unilaterally planned to impose a 6.7 percent cut for 18 months.

The pay cut is expected to save $24 million and help to reduce $154 million in general fund reductions over two years.

The university said its administrators have taken a 6 to 10 percent pay cut, and employees who belong to the Hawaii Government Employees Association have taken a 5 percent pay cut.

University professor Noel Kent, who teaches in the Ethnic Studies Department, said he will lose about $5,500 annually from the pay cut and expects even more of a reduction because of an increase in medical co-payments.

Kent said although Greenwood and other administrators took a pay cut, many administrators who are not educators are still making in excess of 100,000 annually, and more scrutiny should be paid to reduce their pay than cutting faculty pay, increasing student tuition and cutting courses.

Kent, who has taught at the university for 37 years, said morale is low.

“;This is a dysfunctional university at this point. It is not working,”; he said.

“;People are really feeling they're going backwards.”;

Kathy Ferguson, a professor who teaches political science and ethnic studies, said decisions are being made to cut courses without talking to the students, faculty and community.

“;It's got to be a discussion that empowers,”; she said.

Greenwood was unavailable for comment yesterday.