University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood said Wednesday she hopes she will be able to repair her relationships with the governor and Legislature in the aftermath of the failed Stevie Wonder concert.
"I am hopeful that we’re going to have a period of re-understanding," Greenwood said, adding that lawmakers and the governor share the same goals as she does for the future of the university.
In a letter to the Board of Regents that she later withdrew, Greenwood’s attorney criticized the governor and legislative leaders for "inappropriate political pressure" over Greenwood’s decision to reassign former athletic director Jim Donovan to a new position. The letter also asked for a $2 million settlement if the regents wanted her to resign.
In her first interview with a reporter since the board voted to keep her as UH president, Greenwood told the Star-Advertiser that she has not read a Senate Special Committee on Accountability report that was released on Monday, because she has been traveling to the neighbor islands for community meetings at various UH campuses. She spoke on Oahu Wednesday afternoon at a forum at Leeward Community College.
Greenwood said she will be prepared to discuss the report with the Board of Regents, which has scheduled a public discussion of the Senate report Wednesday afternoon at Honolulu Community College.
The regents released a written statement Wednesday saying the board is reviewing the report and will consider the 18 recommendations made by the committee.
"The board shares the Senate’s desire to strengthen the University of Hawaii and improve its service to the people of Hawaii," the statement said. "We have already initiated several efforts to tighten policies and procedures, as identified by our own internal audits and Advisory Task Group report. In compliance with state Sunshine Laws and the board’s own governance practices, action on these issues will take time and must occur in a transparent and inclusive manner. The board appreciates the desire voiced by our various community stakeholders to make the university a better place and will continue its efforts to improve the university system."
The Senate committee investigated the UH-Manoa Athletics Department’s loss of $200,000 in an apparent concert scam. It also looked at Greenwood’s and the Board of Regents’ handling of the crisis.
The committee’s recommendations include having a more open and transparent board and having a financial and management audit of the UH system performed by state Auditor Marion Higa.
Greenwood said she will give the Senate recommendations "very serious consideration." She noted that the board is conducting an extensive review of all UH policies and said that process will continue.
