February 2011
Legislative Update
The 2011 Legislative Session is in full gear and I, our system administrators and chancellors have been spending a lot of time at the capitol meeting with legislators and testifying on a number of bills that impact the university. Of the six bills in the legislative package approved by the Board of Regents, five are still moving.
Of special concern to us are House and Senate bills that would reverse our financial flexibility by repealing the University of Hawai‘i’s special and revolving funds. Both bills have been deferred, but that does not mean that we’re in the clear yet. We will continue to stay vigilant and do all we can to preserve the university’s funding and flexibility.
Earlier this week, Gov. Abercrombie presented his draft state budget to legislators. It proposes giving UH only part of what we asked for. We would, of course, like to receive more, but the administration has worked with UH to identify the highest priorities considering the limited resources available, and we are grateful to be treated relatively well. I have met with Gov. Abercrombie and key members of his senior staff on numerous occasions, and I will continue to do so to make sure they know and understand what the university’s needs are.
University and campus news
- Big Island projects reach milestones
- UH APEC team appointed
- New Hawaiian language facility started
- $6 million energy grant received
- Alums join Korean cabinet
- Firms support West O‘ahu insurance program
- Community colleges extend outreach efforts
UH Manoa News
Alums join Korean cabinet
South Korea President Lee Myung-bak has appointed five new cabinet members, including two UH Manoa Department of Economics PhD graduates, Choi Joong-kyung and Kim Dong-soo.
Dr. Choi was named minister of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, handling the government’s export and corporate policy. He received his PhD from Manoa in 2003. Dr. Kim was appointed the 16th chairman of the Fair Trade Commission, Korea’s antitrust watchdog. He received his PhD in economics in 1997.
