UH Presidential Finalists to Participate in Public Forums Statewide

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The University of Hawaii has released the public forum schedule for its two presidential finalists: Incumbent UH President and former Director of Information Technology David Lassner and Frank Wiercinski, a former commanding general with the U.S. Army.

The two candidates will be touring each of the university’s 10 campuses to meet with students, faculty and the community, after which the Board of Regents will make its selection. The board is expected to announce its choice by this June. 

The forums begin on Oahu this week and will be followed by public receptions, all of which are open to the public. Members of the community can ask questions and learn more about their background and experience. 

Here’s the public schedule, taken from a press release:

Interim President David Lassner

Oahu:

  • Wednesday, May 7, 12–1:30 p.m., Leeward Community College Theatre
  • Friday, May 9, 5–6:30 p.m., UH Manoa Architecture Auditorium (public reception to follow, 6:30–8 p.m.)

Kauai:

Thursday, May 8, 5–7 p.m., Kauai Community College Cafeteria

Maui:

Thursday, May 8, 8–9:30 a.m., Maui College Leis Family Class Act Restaurant

Island of Hawaii:

Friday, May 9, 8–9:30 a.m., University of Hawaii at Hilo University Classroom, Building (UCB), Room 100

Lt. General Francis Wiercinski

Oahu:

  • Tuesday, May 6, 5–6:30 p.m., UH Manoa Architecture Auditorium (public reception to follow, 6:30–8 p.m.)
  • Friday, May 9, 9–10:30 a.m., Leeward Community College Theatre

Kauai:

Thursday, May 8, 8–9:30 a.m., Kauai Community College Cafeteria

Maui:

Thursday, May 8, 5–7 p.m., Maui College Leis Family Class Act Restaurant

Island of Hawaii:

Friday, May 9, 5–7 p.m., University of Hawaii at Hilo University Classroom, Building (UCB), Room 100

University officials say they are aiming to provide free parking and live stream and post footage of the events on the Internet. The Board of Regents is also encouraging members of the public to fill out an online survey on the finalists to help inform the board’s decision. 

Visit the presidential search website for more information. 

Photo: David Lassner (L) and Francis Wiercinski. (Courtesy of UH)

— Alia Wong

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