Carl Clapp, an associate athletic director at the University of Hawai'i, is reportedly a leading candidate for the athletic director's job at his hometown alma mater, the University of California-Santa Barbara.

Clapp is said to be one of the finalists and is thought to be among the leaders to replace Gary Cunningham, who retires Sept. 1 after nearly 13 years with the Gauchos.

UH staffers said Clapp was on vacation yesterday. He was expected to meet with UCSB officials for at least a second round of interviews. Because of his ties, Clapp said, "I would have an interest in visiting with them, however, I think the process is in the very premature stages at this point."

He also said, "I enjoy very much my opportunity to work at UH and look forward to working with (AD) Jim (Donovan) and his staff and growing that program as well."

The chair of UCSB's selection committee declined comment.

UCSB has reportedly made inquiries to UH staffers about Clapp.

Clapp, 49, who has spent almost 2 1/2 years at UH, served as interim athletic director for two months between the termination of Herman Frazier in January and hiring of Donovan in March, and was cited for his work by Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw. Clapp was also a candidate for the AD job.

Clapp implemented Frazier's Sugar Bowl travel policy and received criticism for UH's handling of arrangements for staffers and their families. Clapp had been directed to tell staffers their names could be removed from the travel list if they paid the school, a policy on which UH later reversed its position.

UCSB is a member of the Big West Conference and Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. The Gauchos do not have a football team. Clapp is a 1981 UCSB graduate.

Clapp came to UH in 2006 from Saint Mary's College in Moraga, Calif., where he had been athletic director for six years.