Lingle appoints Jim On to BOE

By Jennifer Hiller
Advertiser Education Writer

Attorney Shelton G.W. Jim On, whom lawmakers recently rejected for a position as a University of Hawai'i regent, will serve in the public education arena anyway.

Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday appointed Jim On, to the state Board of Education to fill the vacancy left by Lex Brodie, who resigned in June for health reasons.

Senators in April voted 14-11 to reject Jim On's nomination to the UH regent's position, objecting to what they said were close political ties to the governor.

The Senate's April vote did not factor into her decision at all, Lingle said. "It's an opportunity for the public to have the benefit of an outstanding person serving in public office," Lingle said. "I thought he was an outstanding appointment to the Board of Regents who would have done a terrific job, but politics got in the way of that. I don't think that kind of petty politics should keep good people from serving."

Voters elect Board of Education members. But when a member resigns, the governor has the authority to appoint someone — without the Legislature's consent — to finish the term. Brodie's term ends in November 2004.

"That's going to be controversial in the Legislature," said Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, D-13th (Kalihi, Nu'uanu), of Jim On's selection. "A number of my colleagues had problems with him."

Chun Oakland was one of a few Democrats who supported Jim On's nomination to be a UH regents. She said her vote was based on his professional experience and an interview she had with him. "I thought he had strengths that would help UH. I assume that his same talents can be used for the public schools," she said.

Jim On, a private practice attorney and a former deputy attorney general, has served as an officer with the Hawai'i Republican Party. He is a graduate of Leilehua High School, the University of Hawai'i and University of San Francisco School of Law.

"As a product of Hawai'i's public school system and a son of two former public school teachers on Maui and O'ahu, I fully understand the importance of ensuring all of our students have the best learning environment," Jim On said in a statement released by the governor's office. "I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve in such a critical position. I look forward to working closely with the full board and the community to find constructive solutions to the many challenges facing our education system, as well as to build upon the strengths of our public schools."

Sen. Ron Menor, D-17th (Mililani, Waipi'o), who voted in favor of Jim On's nomination to the Board of Regents, said: "I think there may be some critics of his appointment. I think on balance Shelton's appointment is a solid pick. I think he possesses the qualities that will serve well on the Board of Education."

The 14 members of the school board serve four-year terms, except for a nonvoting student representative with a one-year term.

The BOE sets policy for the public school system, hires the superintendent and oversees the state public library system.

Staff Writer Gordon Y.K. Pang contributed to this report. Reach Jennifer Hiller at jhiller@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8084.