In a series of procedural actions that could help calm the tumult the University of Hawai'i Athletic Department has endured the past three weeks, the UH Board of Regents yesterday approved: the University's termination agreement with former athletics director Herman Frazier, the appointment of Carl Clapp as interim athletics director for UH-Manoa, and the department's 2007 audited budget report.

Under terms of the settlement, Frazier and the University agreed to terminate Frazier's contract "without cause."

Frazier will be paid $312,510, equivalent to a year's salary plus the 90 days to which he was entitled notice of his termination.

Clapp, who previously served as associate athletics director for administrative services under Frazier, will be paid an annual salary of $227,808 on an appointment that was effective immediately. He has more than 25 years of experience as a collegiate coach and administrator, including stints as athletic director of Avila College, University of Redlands and Saint Mary's College of California.

"I'm confident that Carl's knowledge and experience will serve our athletics department well during this critical period of change, and maintain our current momentum," said UH-Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw.

Clapp said he's already crossed off the No. 1 priority he was given when he accepted the post from Hinshaw last week: finding a new head football coach. Former defensive coordinator Greg McMackin accepted the position Tuesday night.

"I still need to work with (McMackin) as he puts together his staff, gets on the recruiting trail and transitions the program," Clapp said.

Clapp said he will put "as much energy as I can" into addressing long-delayed improvements to Cook Field and other facilities, as well as the completion of the department's third-floor office space.

Clapp will also work with administrators to put together a five- to eight-year master plan to guide the department.

Also looming is the search for a permanent athletic director. Clapp has not confirmed that he is interested in the position, only saying that he would like to remain employed at UH.

"The timeline for a search will be established by the chancellor, and we've had no conversations about that yet," Clapp said. "Chancellor Hinshaw asked me to serve in this position as we go through this period of transition, and I will give her my full commitment for as long as she needs me."

The BOR also accepted the department's 2007 audit financial report, which was audited by Accuity LLP.

The department reported a net excess of revenues over expenses of $148,325 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007.

To comply with Sunshine Law regulations, the board also included approval of the head football coach's contract on its agenda, in case the contract required its approval. (The search for a coach was still ongoing when the agenda was released).

However, McMackin's $1.1 million contract fell within the $935,544 plus 25 percent that UH President David McClain was authorized to offer and therefore did not require BOR approval.

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.