Finalists for Honolulu seats announced for UH Board of Regents

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The Candidate Advisory Council (CAC) for the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR) has presented a list of candidates to Gov. Josh Green to fill two Honolulu County seats for 5-year appointments, beginning July 1, 2026, subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate.

The finalists are:

• Keith Y. Amemiya
• Benjamin A. Kudo
• Marie C. Laderta
• Ryan C. Mandado
• Kathryn S. Matayoshi

Finalist biographies are available at www.hawaii.edu/rcac

The CAC began accepting applications to fill these vacancies in early Fall by recruiting individuals and contacting and encouraging government, business and community leaders to nominate candidates. The council also placed print advertisements encouraging applications.

Applications were thoroughly and comprehensively reviewed and screened by all CAC members. The CAC is statutorily responsible for conducting recruitment efforts, accepting and screening applications, interviewing candidates and submitting to the governor the names of nominees willing to serve as regents of the UH System, which is a voluntary non-compensated public appointment.

Candidate lists are compiled after a comprehensive review and selection process, which is solely and exclusively merit-based and according to procedures set forth in state statutes and the council's administrative rules.

"The Candidate Advisory Council members extend their sincere appreciation to all the individuals who took the time to apply to serve as a University of Hawaiʻi Regent," said CAC Chair Brigitte Yoshino.We are pleased to submit these names for consideration to the governor and the state senate."

The BOR is the governing body of the 10-campus UH System, the sole provider of public higher education in the state and consists of 11 members. Representation includes five members from the City and County of Honolulu, two from Hawaiʻi County, two from Maui County, one from Kauaʻi County and one University of Hawai'i student.

Members of the CAC serve on a voluntary basis.