Governor optimistic on Jones' contract
By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer
Gov. Ben Cayetano said yesterday he has met with June Jones and expects a new contract to be worked out that will keep the University of Hawai'i football coach here.
Advertiser library photo • Aug. 2, 2001
As part of negotiations, Jones and his representatives have asked that UH take over the running of Aloha Stadium, people familiar with the negotiations have said.
June Jones' record is 21-16 in three seasons at the University of Hawai'i.
Cayetano said: "I just had dinner with June a couple of nights ago and he loves this place so much. He has so many friends here. I think it (the contract) will get done soon.
"All the regents are my appointees and I'll tell them I'll never forgive you guys if we lose this guy. They'll (the regents) do what's right."
Jones originally signed a five-year contract when he took over the program in 1998 and has two years remaining on that deal. UH offered an extension after the 1999 season but Jones has not signed it and negotiations for a new extension began more than a month ago. The Warriors are 21-16 under Jones, including 9-3 this past season.
Jones receives $320,000 per season plus incentives for several achieving targets, including grade point average and victories, according to a person familiar with his contract.
Cayetano said: "I've gotten to know June very well and I think he's fairly satisfied with the money he's getting and he loves it here. That's one of the advantages we've got (in trying to keep him). But I think he would like to see us take some steps to indicate we want the program to grow."
Among the items Jones has asked UH to look into, Cayetano said, is for the school to take over operation of Aloha Stadium. Since its opening in 1975, the 50,000-seat facility has been run by the Stadium Authority.
People familiar with the negotiations say Jones' requests have also included pay raises for his assistants, a field turf practice field and a closer look at charter flights.
