Director of UH housing told he'll be reassigned

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer

University of Hawai'i student housing director Darryl Zehner has been told that his contract will not be renewed when it ends Feb. 29 and that he will be reassigned to another position at the university.

Zehner, who has held the job since September 2001, yesterday said he is appealing the decision by Chancellor Peter Englert, and that he was given no reason for the action.

Englert's office would not comment because personnel decisions are confidential, said spokesman Jim Manke.

"It's the craziest thing I've ever experienced," Zehner said yesterday. "I was certainly shocked because there was no prior indication there was dissatisfaction or concerns. He (Englert) never indicated any consideration about not renewing my contract or performance and gave no reasons for his decision."

Zehner said he hopes the appeals process will be able to resolve any problems "so we can get back to the focus of improving student housing.

"We've got a lot of improvements left, there's no secret about that," he said. "I find it extremely unfortunate that the chancellor isn't more supportive of what we've already accomplished."

Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8013.