Comments on: Thursday…Kaaawa gets attention, UH on path to retrenchment, and more Morning Dogs

By: Rainbows

Rainbows — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:25:08 +0000

Of course, this shakes everyone up at UH. But note how the first cut shut down the UHM Ombuds office — the only entity on campus with independent authority to hear and try to resolve complaints about the administration. Makes devious strategic sense from the top, but surely isn’t good for the bottom.

Meanwhile, has anyone explored encouraging retirement within the bounds of law and union agreements? The right packages could save money while invigorating the institution instead of slamming it. And at least the faculty should be primed for it since the last UHPA contract delivered a severe economic disincentive to retirement that practically shut down the pipeline.

By: Ruth

Ruth — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:30:43 +0000

UH retrenchment (layoffs) should begin with System-level and Campus-level administrators. You’re spot on w/re: to behavior of Regents & administrators.

By: chuck_smith

chuck_smith — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:51:40 +0000

Right on, Ian–UH is the jewel in the crown and there’s literally no visible political support for it–the major players apparently have no vested interests in it. I would also mention that the admin. side needs to be re-organized with an eye on obvious efficiencies–campus non-teaching staff has grown but meanwhile they’re laying off tenured profs? The admin. is protecting its own fiefdom IMO.
If there is revenue to be raised, let it be on property taxes which are very low in the state–at least offshore owners would pay their share. The sales and income taxes in Hawaii are already very high. People are struggling and so is small business.
When a property appraised at $430K gets nailed with a property tax bill of $10K+ (like ours in CA), then property taxes are definitely too high.