UH regent quits, citing time constraints
By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer
Citing the need to return to overseeing his business operations, University of Hawai'i regent Allan K. Ikawa of the Big Island has resigned from the board.
The second resignation from the board in three months offers Gov. Linda Lingle her first opportunity to make an impact on the 12-member board through a new appointment.
In his letter to Lingle, the president and chief executive officer of Big Island Candies expressed satisfaction "in knowing I have done my best to do what is in the best interest of the university and the people that it serves." But Ikawa cited the considerable "commitment of time and expense" that his post has entailed.
He pointed to his involvement as co-chairman of the committee that led to adoption of a new Mauna Kea Science Reserve Master Plan in 2000, chairman of the search committee for a new university president and vice chairman of the board in 2001, and chairman of the board itself in 2002.
Ikawa was appointed in 1999 and served for three and a half years.
"As a trustee, I fully appreciate the need to forge a broad vision, to take on the risks involved in achieving growth and improvement, and making the capital investment required to do so," he wrote. "I am also aware that one must also be honest in communicating one's goals and expectations to others and practical in assessing what one can, in fact, afford to do."
In November, trustee Michael Hartley, a multimillionaire businessman, stepped down, citing disagreements with UH President Evan Dobelle. Hartley was critical of Dobelle's endorsement of Democrat Mazie Hirono in the governor's race, and also of what he termed "lavish and unproductive spending" by the president, especially $30,000 allegedly spent to attend the UH football game against BYU in Utah.
In response, Paul Costello, vice president for external affairs for the university, called Hartley's charges at the time "ludicrous" and said the actual bill for the trip was minimal, with airfare for the president, a $79 room at the Sheraton for one night, and a per diem of $130 for the two days.
Hartley was replaced by Lynne Kaneshiro, president and chief executive officer of Island Title Corp.
Reacting to Ikawa's resignation, Costello called the Big Island entrepreneur "a valuable member of the board" who was instrumental in bringing Dobelle to UH.
"He had a great love for the university and especially for the University of Hawai'i at Hilo," Costello said.
Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8013.
