State Rep. Takai calls for Donovan’s reinstatement

State Rep. K. Mark Takai said he was “upset to learn about the resassignment” of University of Hawaii athletic director Jim Donovan and said in a statement today that “Donovan should be reinstated as AD.”

UH announced Sunday that Donovan, who has headed the athletic department since 2008, was being reassigned to an as-yet-untitled position in the Manoa Chancellor’s office after an investigation cleared him of wrongdoing in the  Stevie Wonder case.

“Jim Donovan has done a great job as UH Athletic Director,” said Takai, a former UH swimmer who also heads the UH Letterwinners Club.

“Jim has brought reinvigorated UH athletics and has dedicated his life to his alma mater. We can’t afford to lose Jim’s passion and expertise at this important time of transitions for our athletic program,” Takai said.

UH has announced a 3 p.m. media conference at the school.