House OKs change in regent selection

Associated Press

The state House yesterday approved a proposed constitutional amendment to change the appointment process for the University of Hawai'i Board of Regents, which would strip the governor of the authority to make direct appointments to the board.

A companion bill would create a candidate advisory council to screen and nominate potential candidates for appointment to the Board of Regents. The regents currently are appointed by the governor, subject to confirmation by the state Senate.

Republican Rep. Mark Moses called the proposed amendment "a flawed and vengeful measure."

"It will handcuff this governor (Republican Linda Lingle), put a stranglehold on her, and strip her of all the powers the people elected her to do when they sent her here," said Moses, who represents the 40th District (Makakilo, Kapolei, Royal Kunia).

Eight of the 10 Republicans and Democrat Josh Green of the 6th District (Kailua, Keauhou) voted against the bill. The only Republicans who voted in favor of the change were Kymberly Pine of 'Ewa Beach and William Stonebraker of Hawai'i Kai.

Rep. Helene Hale, D-4th (Puna), voted in favor of the proposed amendment but said she did so with reservation because she feels the amendment should allow for the public to elect the regents.

The House also approved a companion bill to establish the advisory council and spell out its membership.

Six of the 11 members of the advisory council would be appointed by entities within the university. The others would be appointed by the governor, Senate president, House speaker, Hawai'i Government Employees Association and Hawai'i State Bar Association.

Both Senate measures were amended by the House and now go back to the Senate. If the Senate doesn't agree to the House changes, the measures will go to a conference committee.

If passed, the measure will go on the 2006 ballot and require voter approval before the constitution can be amended.