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
GET IN-DEPTH
REPORTING ON HAWAII’S BIGGEST ISSUES
What stories will you help make possible?
Civil Beat’s reporting has helped paint a more complete picture of Hawaiʻi with stories that you won’t find anywhere else.
Your donation today will ensure that our newsroom has the resources to provide you with thorough, unbiased reporting on the issues that matter most to Hawaiʻi.
Give now. We can’t do this without you.