Business manager Nagafuchi will retire

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

Business manager Michael Nagafuchi, the University of Hawai'i athletic department's senior administrator in terms of service, will retire Dec. 30 after nearly 33 years with the school.

Nagafuchi, 57, has served under six athletic directors in what he likes to call, "the first and only (full-time) job I've ever had."

He joined the department after graduating from UH in 1971 with a degree in finance and has shared the "ups and downs" of the school's rise to a Division I-A program.

Nagafuchi has seen the department's budget grow from about $1.5 million to approximately $19 million and the number of sports double to 20. He supervises a staff of six and reports to associate athletic director Tom Sadler.

"Mike is someone who has enjoyed the confidence and respect of everybody he works with, from the coaches and administrators to the auditors," said Jim Donovan, a former associate athletic director at UH.

"Mike has been the numbers guy since he got here and he's been well-respected and easy to work with," said Hugh Yoshida, former athletic director.

"I've enjoyed working with the staff, coaches and others I've met here," Nagafuchi said.

Nagafuchi said he hasn't decided what he will do but is "looking forward to relaxing and then starting a second career."

Ticket manager Edith Tanida, a 28-year veteran of the department, also retires Dec. 30.

Their replacements have yet to be announced.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.