Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 7, 1 July 2004 — Dobelle firing sparks protest by Hawaiians [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Dobelle firing sparks protest by Hawaiians

Many Kānaka Maoli at the university hemoan the ouster of the former president, who they say was a supporter of Hawaiian issues

By Sterling Kini Wong The firing of University of Hawai'i President Evan Dobelle by the university's Board of Regents on June 15 sparked protests from many Native Hawaiians at the school who felt they had lost a ehampion of their cause. "We believe as Native Hawaiians that President Dobelle is the only university president who has supported us in the history of the University of Hawai'i," former Center for Hawaiian Studies Director Lilikalā Kame'eleihiwa told the press. "We don't think you're going to find a better man to do the job." Kame'eleihiwa said that Dobelle acknowledged that the university has an obligation to Native Hawaiians because it sits on ceded lands and, consequently, he provided significant funding for Native Hawaiian programs. The regents said in a statement that there was "no longer a unity of purpose between to the board and the president." As Ka Wai Ola went to press, the regents

had not officially stated specific reasons for Dobelle's termination. However, one regent did acknowledge that an audit critical of Dobelle's management of his $200,000 protocol fund was one of the factors for the firing. Dobelle arrived at the University of Hawai'i in July 2001 as its 12th president, receiving a salary of $442,000 plus benefits. His contract

would have ended in June 2008. Kawika Baker, chair of the UH Student Caucus, said that after the initial shock wore off, most Native Hawaiians were sad that they lost a supportive president who brought a lot of hope to them and

the entire university. Baker, however, said that he has worked with

acting president David McClain, who serves as vice president of academic affairs, for several years and believes Native Hawaiians and the university remain in good hands. "[McClain] is a terrific leader, and I have all the faith in him that he will continue to support Native Hawaiians at the university," Baker said. In addition, Board of Regents Chair Patricia Lee said at a June 16 meeting that funding for Native Hawaiian programs is not in danger and that McClain, the board and the chancellor are committed to supporting those programs. ■

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