Despite a coaches’ letter recommending the "immediate appointment" of Rockne Freitas as athletic director, the University of Hawaii search advisory committee is continuing with its process.

Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple, who last month pledged a "national search" to replace Jim Donovan, convened the first meeting of the committee Tuesday morning on campus.

And while the letter signed by 16 head coaches and 28 assistants last week recommending Freitas was said to have been discussed during the one and a half hour meeting, no action was taken.

As of Tuesday night UH had not posted the vacancy on its website.

Freitas, UH vice president for student affairs and university/community relations, has served as acting AD since July 11. He has said he would not apply for the permanent AD position and declined comment on the letter.

Three head coaches who signed the letter recommending Freitas — football coach Norm Chow, Wahine volleyball coach Dave Shoji and Wahine basketball coach Laura Beeman — have been appointed to the committee. All except Shoji attended Tuesday’s meeting.

Apple has charged the committee with determining whether a search firm will be hired. No decision was reached.

Richard Mizusawa, UH student body president, is the last appointee to the 14-member committee co-chaired by Chow and Howard Karr.