UH officials quiet on renewal of Frazier's contract

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

Herman Frazier's contract as University of Hawai'i-Manoa athletic director officially expires July 31 and some members of his department have expressed concern why a renewal has yet to be announced.

Staffers declined to be identified citing their positions, but said it has been a topic of conversation and have wondered if it is tied to the financial situation.

An athletic department spokesman referred questions about Frazier's contract to the Manoa chancellor's office, which oversees athletics.

Manoa spokesman Jim Manke said, "Since this is a personnel matter, the chancellor's office has no comment," and declined to say if a renewal was being negotiated or processed.

But the fact that Frazier is listed as the keynote speaker for both today's undergraduate and graduate commencements suggests he is well thought of by the chancellor's office which oversees commencement. Englert last month expressed, "confidence in the manner in which Herman is proceeding with our athletics department. We're in good hands."

Kitty Lagareta, the regents' vice chair, said, "He (Frazier) reports to the chancellor and I've heard nothing — none of us have heard anything from the chancellor — that would indicate there is any problem to be concerned about."

Board chair Patricia Y Lee, said, "While his evaluation includes financial performance, I don't think that is a deciding factor."

Lagareta said, "From (our) perspective he has been moving along nicely on those objectives."

Frazier's contract lists his salary as $210,000, plus expenses.

Frazier and Englert, two of former UH president Evan Dobelle's highest profile hires, both officially took over their position Aug. 1, 2002 and have three-year contracts.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.