Posted on: Friday, April 22, 2005

Senate rejects Big Islander as UH regent

By Tara Godvin
Associated Press

Big Island businessman John K. Kai lost his bid yesterday for a two-year spot on the University of Hawai'i Board of Regents despite impassioned speeches by several Republicans and one Democrat on the Senate floor.

"I'm disappointed in the outcome, obviously, but it doesn't surprise me. I did feel that it was an outcome that was predetermined, that was out of my control," Kai said later.

Kai, a Republican, said he felt badgered with loaded questions during two hearings before the Senate Higher Education Committee.

Another nominee, Ramon S. de la Pena, was unanimously approved for a three-year term. Both Kai and de la Pena are interim appointees and received a second hearing after their first hearings went poorly.

Senators voted 15-10 against Kai's confirmation.