Head coach Jim Bolla is on leave from the University of Hawai'i women's basketball program, a spokesman confirmed yesterday.

Bolla was not with the Rainbow Wahine when they left Wednesday night on a two-game road trip, said Gregg Takayama, director of community and government affairs for the UH-Manoa chancellor's office.

Asked if Bolla is on forced leave or suspension, Takayama said: "He is on leave. I can't be more explicit."

He declined to say whether UH's general counsel is involved in the matter.

Asked about the duration of the leave, Takayama added: "It's not for a set time. It's for an indefinite period."

Takayama said associate coach Pat Charity "is in charge of the team while he's on leave."

A UH spokesman said Bolla's wife, assistant coach Dallas Bolla, is on a recruiting trip.

Jim Bolla did not return a message left on his cell phone last night.

UH athletic director Jim Donovan declined to comment, deferring the matter to Takayama.

"It was decided it would be more appropriately handled by the chancellor's office," Takayama said. "But I can't say why."

Bolla is in his fifth season as the Rainbow Wahine's head coach.

After this season, he has two more years remaining on a contract extension.

Takayama said Bolla will be paid during this leave.

The Rainbow Wahine are 5-18 overall and 2-8 in the Western Athletic Conference following last night's 68-56 loss to Louisiana Tech.

Bolla's five-year record at UH is 61-75.

They play New Mexico State tomorrow. The Rainbow Wahine's next home game is a rematch against New Mexico State on Feb. 20.