University of Hawaii Big Island regent Harvey Tajiri has resigned from the board that governs the 10-campus UH system.

At a meeting yesterday, Board of Regents Chairman Howard Karr read Tajiri's resignation letter dated Tuesday. Tajiri apologized for the inconvenience and said he believes the board is in “;capable hands.”;

Tajiri did not say why he is resigning. Karr said his reasons were personal.

“;His heart is really into this university,”; Karr said, praising Tajiri as a strong advocate for UH-Hilo.

The Governor's Office will now notify the Regents Advisory Council of the vacancy. The council will solicit candidates for the position to present to the governor within 60 days. The candidates must also be confirmed by the state Senate.

Three other positions will become vacant on the board this year. The council is in the process of recommending candidates for Honolulu and Maui regents and a student regent to the governor.

Tajiri, a retired Hilo businessman and former state House representative, joined the board in 2008.