UH spokesman talks about search committee
On Tuesday when the UH AD search committee list was announced I had a few questions for chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman. UH spokesman Dan Meisenzahl said Bley-Vroman was not available, but Meisenzahl addressed the questions on behalf of UH
DR: The initial reaction, including from me, is that the committee seems light on coaches, athletic administrators.
DM: I can say that we’re not going to comment on who was approached and not approached. The chancellor’s office received a lot of input from the (general) community and UH community as well. We’re really happy with the committee.
Warren Haruki is a successful businessman and longtime supporter. No matter what form the committee took, people would second-guess it, it’s part of the process. We’re happy that we have a committee in place and are ready to move forward. There might be questions and concerns. There’s a lot of deliberation to decide what process to follow. We stand by our decisions and ultimately this will lead to some great candidates and the chancellor will select the best finalist.
DR: What specifically is the responsibility of the committee?
DM: The committee’s responsibility is to come up with a list of finalists. No limit on how long that list will be. We’re expecting a number of candidates. Initially (another UH vetting entity) will go through the applications and make sure they meet minimum qualifications and start paring it down. The advisory committee will come up with a list of finalists and then it is the chancellor’s responsibility to make a selection.
The chancellor is not just expecting a bare list from the committee. He is also expecting the committee’s evaluation of each of the candidates strengths and weaknesses.
DR: The timeline is pretty long, is it firm?
DM: We’re making sure we will have someone in place when Ben Jay will be leaving in June (at the latest). Right now (the plan is in) March we will have finalists coming in for interviews. We’re giving ourselves a wide berth. We can’t stress enough how everyone including the chancellor knows how extremely important this process and decision is.
DR: Since the chancellor is at this time still labeled official interim does that create any problem?
Do we foresee any change in his status soon?
DM: Not that I know of. Whatever happens, that would be the board and recommendation of the president. At this point in time there is no risk. Make no mistake, he is the chancellor of Manoa right now and in power to make these decisions. He is serious about doing whatever is the best for the university moving forward.
There is no difference in authority and responsibility between an interim appointment and a longer-term appointment.
“Warren Haruki is a successful businessman and longtime supporter.”
Translation: Has plenty of money and gives us plenty of money. He will give us more if we let him be in charge, so please stop questioning us why we chose him.
Makes me wonder if UH is using the mainland firm that recommended Ben Jay. It was previously mentioned that the contract states it would be free of charge.
If they don’t use the firm to screen all applicants, I’m thinking it will be a local hire from the 6 mentioned in a previous post. The timing is to allow the incoming AD time to tie up loose ends like resign from current position and to save on salary expense from having to pay for 2 AD’s. I haven’t heard BJ being mentioned for open AD positions so he’s staying until June.
Personally, I like Keith Amemiya. I would support that hire and maybe even Rick B.
UH spokesman Dan Meisenzahl fits right in w/ this bureaucracy … won’t make comments on who or who was not approached; double talk in my opinion. Dick Tomey & Rockne Freitas should be on the search committee.
Anyone out there hear about DB coach Daronte’ Jones headed for Wisconsin as their DB coach under Dave Aranda ?????
Both are good suggestions, but Dick Tomey may be a candidate and Rockne Freitas, Chancellor – UH West Oahu campus, probably too busy.
Tsk, tsk Dave. Don’t you know you’re not supposed to question these people? Surprised they didn’t fall back on the “nunya” response as in “none ya business”. Like I said same old same old.
Perhaps Rockne is not on the committee because he’s interested in the job. He was interested during the last search with gave us Ben Jay.
I was a long time resident on OAHU, after my 22 year navy career. During that time I had season tickets for UH football. I along with other fans lived through all the ups and downs and watched June Jones turn the team around. Now hearing the discussions about the possibility of replacing aloha stadium, I believe my concept of a new world class stadium has strong merit. I have attempted to provide my idea to many in Hawaii, but have never received an answer, positive or negative.
My idea is to build a world class stadium on the Ali Wai golf course property. There would be more that enough property for adequate parking, but would include several walkway bridges across the Ali Wai canal to provide pedestrian access for events such as concerts and Bowl games! The attraction for visitors would be great! My original idea also included a stop for the Hart Rail system. The income to the State and the City of Honolulu could be amines! This stadium would create attention from many sports programs. And as many cities have done, sponsorship for the construction costs would be more than possible!
I offer this idea for you consideration. I have also sent this idea to Ferd Lewis at to Honolulu star Advertiser and in the past to the UH Athletic Director.and Anahui Koa Anueue