Power broker resigns from booster club

Attorney Bert T. Kobayashi Jr., one of the University of Hawaii’s most prominent and influential supporters, has resigned from the ‘Ahahui Koa Anuenue athletic booster club citing a lack of respect for embattled Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple.

In a letter to members of the Koa Anuenue board of directors dated Thursday and obtained by the Star-Advertiser, Kobayashi wrote, "… I strongly believe in AKA and its mission; however, I find myself in a situation where if I stay with AKA that I would have to work with chancellor Tom Apple, for whom I have no respect."

Apple, by virtue of his position, also serves on the AKA board.

Apple has been under fire since fumbling through an Aug. 13 press conference at Hawaii Hall. He also came in for strong criticism from the state Senate Special Committee on Accountability on Tuesday.

Kobayashi wrote, "I cannot believe the things that he has said and the excuses that he has given and I do not wish to continue with AKA if he is the chancellor. Therefore, effective with this letter, I resign from ‘Ahahui Koa Anuenue, this action is irrevocable. My thanks for your understanding."

Contacted by the Star-Advertiser on Friday, Kobayashi declined to elaborate but said in an email, "I did not do this for publicity. I regret leaving AKA, but did what I felt was right."

Spokeswomen for Apple said he was out of state and would not offer comment.

AKA chairman Mark Polivka, to whom the letter was addressed, said, "Mr. Kobayashi has been an absolutely terrific board member. He is a past (chair) and has done so much for our organization. Obviously, as a board, we’re sorry that he is resigning."

Kobayashi, founding partner in the downtown law firm of Kobayashi, Sugita & Goda, chaired AKA from 2003 to 2005. Before that he spearheaded the massive restructuring of the nearly half-century old AKA a decade ago into the athletic department’s umbrella booster organization.

In the process, UH officials have said, contributions rose from approximately $600,000 per year to nearly $3 million; most of which goes to underwrite athletic scholarships and facilities renovation.

Kobayashi has served on several UH search committees, including the one that most recently recommended Norm Chow as head football coach. He has also, at various times, represented school officials and coaches.