Comments on: Campus public forums for �鶹��ýpresident finalists set for May 6-9

By: William Moekahi Steiner

William Moekahi Steiner — Tue, 13 May 2014 02:06:09 +0000

In reply to Leon Combray. I agree that it appears both men would need to go a long way to win the understanding and approval of the residents of the State of Hawai'i. I do not know the second candidate, but I do know David Lassner. He always comes across as very logical and is hard working and intelligent and believes in science to answer problems. But I know from personal experience that he does not have a true understanding of what is Hawaiian. I sat once in a meeting where he was in attendance and it was obvious he supported GMO approaches to engineering plants including the support, at one time at least, of engineering taro. In our small, isolated state we need to know where these candidates stand with respect to conservation issues, sustainability issues, and cultural issues. Where is the information and insight on this? The �鶹��ýsystem is the lead for developing the information we need to keep our state viable and carry it and our children into the future so we should not short the leadership there.

By: Leon Combray

Leon Combray — Sat, 10 May 2014 01:49:57 +0000

Neither candidate is sufficiently credentialed to hold the most important educational job in the entire state, and for that matter, the entire Pacific Rim. Why do we only get to pick between two white men from the mainland? Where are the women? Where is the diversity? At least Lassner has a PhD. The nomination of the Lt. General is an absolute travesty– this man know NOTHING about Hawaii, or Higher Education. As for his ‘leadership’ skills– professors and students don’t obey orders like soldiers.

By: Ai Jenko

Ai Jenko — Fri, 09 May 2014 02:18:11 +0000

David Lassner has already demonstrated that he is an effective leader of the University and has already brought positive and tangible results to many of the challenges facing the institution. He is not more of the same and does not come from the mold of his predecessors. He brings a remarkable pragmatic approach to the position, something uncharacteristic of past �鶹��ýpresidents perhaps with the exception of David McClain. He has the support of faculty, researchers, staff, students, legislators and many constituencies including the Hawaiian community across the islands as someone they can entrust with moving the institution foward in a positive way. While Frank Wiercinski has the type of leadership skills that fit well with the military and perhaps some types of business, he has already shown he has little knowledge of �鶹��ýand the complexities of the institution. He has not shown that he has the capacity for both the executive leadership role and let’s face it, the acadmeic and political akamai necessary. His remarks in the public forums so far have only demonstrated a very superficial understanding of Hawaii and it’s people. He is not prepared for leading higher education in Hawaii. He is a good man, but not a good fit to lead UH.

By: R Tolentino

R Tolentino — Wed, 07 May 2014 22:03:37 +0000

In reply to Nate Nicholson. I agree Nate but Lt General Wiercinski will need to have a compelling argument that his broader military experience applies to higher education. I give him a lot of credit but he does not have the tools and experience to become �鶹��ýPresident. He needs more substantial background in education other than his military education. As a former military officer, my advice to him would be to drop the Lt General and just be Francis Wiercincki.

By: Nanea Clemens

Nanea Clemens — Wed, 07 May 2014 20:36:56 +0000

In reply to Rosina Ho. LTG(R)Wiercinski will be a great President for the University of Hawaii! His leadership skills will no doubt be what the University has been lacking for years now. I feel �鶹��ýis ready for change, and LTG(R)Wiercinski is the man to do it!

By: Rosina Ho

Rosina Ho — Wed, 07 May 2014 08:55:09 +0000

I think it is important to think about the long term results and who can be a leader and take the UH
to a higher level.
Frank, is a solid down to earth person who brings so much to the table they should be so lucky to have
a man of his background and education to even consider this position.In my opinion the �鶹��ýneeds a transfusion of New blood.This is a man that would not be swayed but a man that will stand strong
for all.

By: Nate Nicholson

Nate Nicholson — Wed, 07 May 2014 03:47:07 +0000

Both Candidates have experience working on the islands, please check the bios.

However, LTG Wiercinski, has had a much broader work experience that include demonstrated leadership, as indicated by his Command positions at, the US Army Pacific at Ft Shafter, HI, U.S. Army Japan, and the 25th ID at Schofield Barracks. Additionally he has managed a business, which in my opinion is about as important as his demonstrated leadership in the military. So he is my preferred choice.

By: Tanea Dalpivo

Tanea Dalpivo — Wed, 07 May 2014 02:23:54 +0000

In reply to Fata Simanu-Klutz. I also agree with Fata Simanu-Klutz. President Lasner has been working in the �鶹��ýsystem, and therefore a better candidate for the position.

By: Fata Simanu-Klutz

Fata Simanu-Klutz — Sun, 04 May 2014 23:31:01 +0000

�鶹��ýdeserves someone who understands the needs of the faculty and students and the interim president is a better fit for that. President Lasner has been in the system long enough to know the functions of the office as well as the cultures of Hawaii.