Evan Dobelle

Whatever his sins, Dobelle deserved better than to be fired via news conference when he was not even in town. This was the kind of move that will make any potential successor to Dobelle think twice before accepting the job.

The result of this, almost inevitably, will be litigation and disruption that will further distract the university community from what it should be doing.

It's no secret there was little trust or support on the board for Dobelle. Regents were upset about his spending patterns and about what they felt was an unwillingness to communicate on university matters. There was also the sense that some regents remained angry over Dobelle's decision to inject himself (and the university by implication) into politics with his endorsement of Democrat Mazie Hirono in the last election.

Fired for 'cause'

But Dobelle was not fired on grounds of incompatibility or poor political judgment.

He was fired for "cause," which his contract defines as: conviction of a felony, determination by a medical professional that he is mentally unstable or conduct that constitutes "moral turpitude" and which brings public disrespect and contempt or ridicule on the university.

In layman's terms, crook, crazy or corrupt. Those are serious charges to lay on someone in this public manner.

Even, without substantiation, the moral turpitude clause comes in only if the action, if proven in court, would add up to grounds for a criminal conviction or civil liability for the university.

That is quite a shadow to cast over anyone.

Due diligence late

University officials originally said they intended to make public the case against Dobelle but only after consultation with legal counsel. Late yesterday they said, on advice of counsel, that they will have nothing further to say at this time.

It seems to us this is the kind of legal due diligence that should have happened before the firing was made public. In any event, legal review should happen as quickly as possible and Dobelle must be given a full and fair opportunity to speak to the accusation, if he wishes.

The larger question now, however, is what happens to the university itself? This ultimately isn't about the regents or Evan Dobelle; it is about our flagship university and the state's major institution learning research and economic development.

Acting President David McClain is experienced, capable and well-respected both on campus and off. There's no doubt he will keep a steady hand on the helm as the university works through this situation.

Whether he is interested in the job on a permanent basis remains to be seen. Clearly, events have shown he would have to determine beforehand whether he and the regents are on the same wave length.

Dobelle initiatives

Meanwhile, what of Dobelle's initiatives? The new medical school is off the ground and building in Kaka'ako, but there is a $150 million question lingering. Where will the money come from for the promised second phase of this exciting teaching and research center?

Hawaiian programs were given sustained and generous support under Dobelle. McClain says he will keep that commitment; some Hawaiian students are worried that might not be possible.

And what of the institutional changes launched by Dobelle?

He worked to bring the entire university system into more of a cohesive whole, a process that ruffled more than a few feathers in the process. Dobelle, convinced he was brought in to make change, was unphased by the unhappiness his changes brought.

Will the next administration be as willing to shake things up? Will future leaders conclude that too much change is a dangerous thing at our university?

College town

On a longer time horizon, Dobelle was determined to make UH-Manoa and its surrounding community into a true college town. Those plans, while still in their infancy, depended greatly on Dobelle's personal vision about how the university could fit into the community.

It will take great energy to keep that vision going.

Since statehood, the university of Hawai'i has had 10 presidents, three of them acting. Under those 10 administrations, UH has soared and also struggled.

Our hope that as we move toward the 11th president of the university, everyone — administrators, faculty, students and regents — will set aside politics and personal grievances and recognize that the reputation and success of the university is what matters most of all.