Oceanic Institute president replaced

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer

Hawai'i Pacific University and its recent affiliate, Oceanic Institute, are mum about the reason for the change in leadership at the research institute in Waimanalo.

In a brief press release, Oceanic Institute announced that Gary D. Pruder has been named interim president, replacing Thomas E. Farewell. No reason was offered for the move, and phone calls to Farewell were being taken by his attorney, Jerry Hiatt, who would not comment.

HPU officials also would not comment on the change, made last week.

"Right now it's a private matter and that's how it's going to stay, with no comment from us," said E. Rick Stepien, HPU vice president for administration.

Last June, HPU and Oceanic Institute announced a partnership that would offer the school an ocean-based center for marine programs.

The affiliation had been under discussion for three years and promised $10 million in support to Oceanic Institute from HPU over the next decade, with HPU guaranteeing the research institute $1 million annually.

While each institution would maintain its individual programs and could launch other community partnerships, it also meant HPU would control the institute's board, with HPU president Chatt G. Wright serving as chairman.

Oceanic Institute was founded in 1960 and is a nonprofit, applied research organization dedicated to restoring and rebuilding traditional fisheries in the state by using advanced technologies in aquaculture.

Pruder joined Oceanic Institute in 1984 as project manager and coordinator of the U.S. Marine Shrimp Farming Program. In 1997, he became vice president of research programs and in 2000 was promoted to executive vice president.

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