Posted on: Thursday, May 5, 2005

Protest at UH ends peacefully

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer

Claiming "a tremendous victory," about 75 protesters left David McClain's University of Hawai'i office yesterday afternoon, marching and chanting in an orderly fashion down the staircase after calling on the interim president to fulfill promises he made to open up debate and consultation over a proposed Navy-affiliated research center.

"We pushed the university administration back from their illegitimate, fast-track process which would have brought UARC to the table in May or June, far beyond what they disclosed publicly," said political science graduate student Ikaika Hussey, one of the protest leaders. "By forcing interim President McClain to say they will not bring it before (the regents) before Oct. 1, we're ensuring there can be true dialogue and debate and ultimately opposition to UARC."

At the same time, they promised further civil disobedience "if the administration ever again fails to fulfill the duties of this office."

McClain issued a statement saying he was pleased the coalition "has reacted positively" to his agreements and that he looked forward to working with both proponents and opponents "to frame a full and fair discussion of this issue, and to conduct that dialogue in a fashion that is civil and respectful to all involved."

While the coalition said they expected McClain to move forward "in good faith" to release UARC documents from the university and the Research Corporation of the University of Hawai'i within 10 working days, McClain said he looked forward to meeting with individuals and small groups from the coalition "to learn their individual concerns and address specific questions they may have."

From Washington, Hawai'i's congressional delegation had praise for McClain earlier in the day.

"He's trying to steer a steady course through it, and doing a good job," said Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawai'i. "He's trying to assure the process of decision-making is an open one where opinions can be voiced, but he is certainly reserving to the administration and the regents the responsibility that they have to make the substantive decision.

"I don't think anyone can say he's not fought for transparency. And ultimately, the decision is the regents' to make, and he recognizes that."

Sen. Dan Inouye, D-Hawai'i, said McClain was handling the situation "in a sensitive and appropriate manner."

Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i, said he did not think the protest would affect future Navy funding for the university or the Navy's "commitment and desire" to develop a new relationship with UH.

"There's a lot of nonclassified research going on there," Abercrombie said. "The bulk of the research will remain nonclassified."

Earlier in the week, McClain agreed with protesters that the process thus far could have been improved and said he had pushed the proposal prematurely.

Officials have said that the UARC designation would vault UH into a rarefied group with four top-tier Mainland research universities, and would open up the university to $50 million in additional research funding — some of it for classified research.

Preliminary approval for the proposed University Affiliated Research Center came from regents last November. But at that meeting, regents asked the Manoa administration for a process of full consultation with groups affected, and Chancellor Peter Englert began a series of meetings, including three public forums that were disrupted by opponents.

During the seven-day occupation of McClain's office, protesters said they chose their action as "a last resort" because they felt their opinions were not being heard or considered in light of "the moral and ethical contradictions involved in combining military research with the university's core mission of education."

Professor of communications Bev Keever said she was particularly concerned because Englert "was never neutral, never fact-finding. He was pushing it."

As committed coalition members ate, slept and studied in the president's office beginning April 28, others on campus went about business as usual.

"I have no idea what it's about, I've been so busy with school," said Robin Quijano-Reuse, a 29-year-old senior who faces final exams shortly along with the rest of the student body. "I know they were there, but I don't know what it's about."

David Velasco, a junior, also said he had no idea what the protesters were concerned about, but he said if more research dollars come to campus, "they should lower the tuition."

But Jason Ruane said he was pleased with the compromise. "Some kind of agreement would be good," he said yesterday.

As protesters packed up futons, coolers, sleeping bags, trash, flags, banners and a small tent village, student Keli'i Collier straightened the coffee table in the president's office to leave it "cleaner than when we came." Pomaika'i Kinney finished watering the plants in the Bachman Hall courtyard, something he's been doing all week.

When the 'aina is in need, he said, "it's your duty" to take action.

Last night UH vice chancellor for research Gary Ostrander attended the Manoa Neighborhood Board meeting to explain UARC to about 40 concerned residents.

After a presentation on the proposal, board member Gary Andersen asked if there would be any hazardous, biological or radioactive materials used during the research that would affect the community or wildlife.

Ostrander said the expertise at UH is not in that type of research so the Navy is not looking for that type of work. He said rules guiding the use of any hazardous material are very strict and will be followed.

He said there will be no research for weapons of mass destruction. "That will not be allowed here," he said.

Manoa resident Mimi Sharma asked if UH could really turn down a specific weapons project that the military wanted done if they were paying millions for research.

Ostrander said that if a researcher doesn't want to participate in a project, there will be no pressure to do so, but only a small portion of the military projects would be classified and many professors are looking to do research in their fields.

Manoa resident and UH professor Karl Kim asked if Ostrander could assure the community that their health and safety would be protected.

Ostrander said limits will be placed on what research can be done following a public input process.

"This is going to be so heavily scrutinized for many, many years that this is in fact going to be a safe endeavor for the community," he said.

Advertiser staff writer James Gonser contributed to this report. Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8013.