Former supreme court justice backs McCubbin for UH job

The following letter was forwarded to Hawaii Monitor without comment. It is probably not news that attorney Robert Klein endorses his client's selection as vice chancellor for academic affairs, and the university's decision may have already been made. But the letter may be of interest to some readers anyway.

If one divorces unconfirmed, unattributed and wrong-headed media accounts from the selection matrix, there can be little doubt that Dr. McCubbin presents the strongest possible candidacy. A review of his outstanding record over many years in academia demonstrates Dr. McCubbin’s sterling abilities. In addition, against very strong competition, Dr. McCubbin was selected as the very first Chief Executive Officer of the Kamehameha Schools in a move to reform the Schools’ management. He voluntarily made a clean breast of any possible negative background information to the interim Board of Trustees while under consideration for the post. After due diligence review, Dr. McCubbin easily gained the position. Not only did he serve admirably, he was offered a new three year term only months before resigning the position this year, citing family reasons for his decision. Indeed personal, family issues informed his decision to step down. What is most compelling is that the Kamehameha Schools Board of Trustees renewed his contract only months before he chose to resign. Dr. McCubbin always intended to be an interim CEO because he desired a return to academia. His intentions were made clear to members of the Board of Trustees. Although the public may have been surprised by Dr. McCubbin’s resignation, none of the Board members expressed surprise at the time.

Dr. McCubbin’s experience as Kamehameha’s CEO demonstrates that any negative information concerning his tenure at the University of Wisconsin-Madison was timely and voluntarily disclosed by Dr. McCubbin; was fully vetted by the Kamehameha interim Board of Trustees; was found to be without any merit; did not negatively affect the hiring decision for one of the State’s most visible jobs; did not cause the Board to refuse to renew his three-year contract; and did not factor into his decision to resign. I would submit that replaying the same discordant note does not make it a symphony. The media accounts are outdated, disproved, inaccurate and wrong—as are the people who rely upon them to discredit Dr. McCubbin.

Dr. McCubbin and The Kamehameha Schools parted ways in May 2003, like many CEO’s and companies part ways every day in the world of business. There are financial considerations that of necessity are kept confidential, except for publicly traded companies. Privacy interests can spawn speculation and further innuendo; that was the case with Dr. McCubbin’s separation. The fact that matters are private and privileged, however, does not make them sinister. To reach this conclusion is to misunderstand and misinterpret reality. It would be indeed unfortunate if the hiring committee read into Dr. McCubbin’s resignation anything other than standard separation practice as between a CEO and his company. The candidacy of Dr. McCubbin should not be held in a negative light because he honorably abides by the terms of his severance, which require confidentiality. I know that he wants to divulge certain information, but I have steadfastly advised him of his obligations under his contract. Please do not penalize Dr. McCubbin for his lawyer’s obstinancy.

In my dealings with Dr. McCubbin I have found him to be honorable, diligent, thoughtful, personable and kind. He epitomizes my vision of a Hawaiian scholar and community leader. He is passionate about doing what is right and abiding by the consequences. Dr. McCubbin enjoys tremendous support among many members of the Hawaiian and larger community with whom he shares tremendous Aloha. I know that he will serve the University of Hawaii with great distinction.