University of Hawai'i coaches lamented and politicians pointed fingers over football coach June Jones' apparent resignation from the university.

According to Al Souza, Jones' close friend, the coach announced his resignation in an e-mail to friends yesterday. Included was a copy of his resignation letter that was sent to athletic director Herman Frazier, though Frazier said he had not received a copy.

Jones, whose five-year contract expires June 30, cited a lack of loyalty and commitment from athletic department leaders.

He's in Dallas to interview for the coaching vacancy at Southern Methodist University.

"I'm saddened that if the reports are correct ... myself and so many other people have helped the program, inside and outside," said Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl executive director Jim Donovan, a former UH administrator and football player. "I'm thankful for what he has done the last nine years. Anybody would be sad he would be leaving."

Jones' resignation comes less than week after Hawai'i's 41-10 loss to Georgia at the Sugar Bowl, marking one of the biggest highlights in Jones' tenure, which included taking over a program that had went 0-12 the year before he started.

Yet, it has long been known that Jones' contract would be up this year. And when there were reports that SMU was interested in Jones, UH officials didn't make any offers until late Thursday.

"I'm extremely disappointed" Mayor Mufi Hannemann said. "I think the state and the university is just too little, too late. They stepped up too little, too late."

Hannemann even added he wished the university was a City & County institution, not a state one, so he could act upon the situation.

Rep. K. Mark Takai, who led a four-hour session between the Senate and House education committees and the university over several issues in May, pointed out how Frazier had said then that drafts were being worked on for Jones' contract proposal.

"I think the fact that Herman Frazier didn't act on the commitment he made to the legislature in May and not jump on the opportunity to negotiate an extension on the contract has paid dearly not only for the program, but the entire state," said Takai, who was reached during dinner with Donovan in Los Angeles last night.

Takai added Frazier isn't the only person who should be held accountable.

"Frazier, Chancellor (Virginia) Hinshaw, the Board of Regents, (UH) President (David) McClain, and some extent the governor," Takai said. "All of those people had from May to take this situation and to make certain decisions.

"The chain of command is such where if the lower command falters, the next person needs to take the lead. It goes all the way to (the) governor. I hold her ultimately accountable."

An attempt to reach Lenny Klompus, senior advisor to Gov. Linda Lingle, was unsuccessful last night.

"Hawai'i just celebrated a few days ago, the biggest sports success it has ever had," said Takai, who attended the Sugar Bowl. "How can you fumble that?"

One issue raised during the four-hour session in May was the state of facilities at the university. In early May, quarterback Colt Brennan spoke out on the deteriorating conditions.

Leigh Steinberg, Jones' agent, has said the coach's focus has been improving facilities and resources to the level comparable to those of nationally-ranked programs.

"Well, I think if you compare what we have for football with other programs, he's absolutely right on," said UH women's volleyball coach Dave Shoji.

"When I go to college campuses, I notice facilities. I know what our football team has and what others have ... I know that's one thing that's frustrated June."

Shoji said he couldn't "think of one football program where our facilities are better."

"What program are we better than as far as facilities?" Shoji asked. "I've never seen a program where our facilities are better."

Coaches and colleagues lent their support to Jones.

UH men's volleyball coach Mike Wilton also expressed his disappointment.

"I genuinely like June Jones," Wilton said before last night's match against UCLA. "I think he's a genuine guy and he cares about other people. I'm just really sad right now."

Some feel the repercussions of Jones' resignation and how the situation was handled will be felt beyond the program.

"This is going to hurt the state and university beyond the football field when the story behind the story comes to light," Hann-emann said.

Donovan said he has discussed the situation with ESPN, which owns the Hawai'i Bowl. The network is taking a "wait-and-see approach" to who the new coach is — if there is indeed a new coach.

"I just want what's best for June and his family," Donovan said. "I believe everything works out best in the long run. If this is what's best for him, I support him because of how much he has done for the school and state.

"If you look at the passion he's put into the program and how much he's turned the program, around, it's nothing short of phenomenal."

Reach Stanley Lee at sktlee@honoluluadvertiser.com.