New University of Hawai‘i athletic director Herman Frazier arrives at the lower campus for his first day on the job as the new athletic director. Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser

Frazier, 47, arrived at his UH lower campus office at 7:54 a.m. to begin the first day of his three-year, $210,000 contract.

Frazier was chosen in June to succeed Hugh Yoshida, who spent the last 9-plus years as the school's athletic director.

Frazier, who arrived back in town last night, was greeted by staffers . He hugged his new secretary Margie Okimoto, who has aided four previous athletic directors, before stepping into his new office.

Frazier said he hopes to begin meeting with coaches and staff this week.

Frazier said he was "glad to finally get behind the desk and start getting some work done."

Frazier met with UH associate athletic director Jim Donovan and asked "do you have any spare change," a tongue-and cheek reference to the budget situation at UH.

The 19-sport department reported a record $1.5 million deficit for the fiscal year that ended June 30.

Yoshida moved to a third-floor office where he will fulfill the final five months of his contract, assistant Frazer and the athletic department.