UH will freeze several positions in their Athletic Department

HA Note: "Athletic director Jim Donovan said at least five "administrative-type" posts, including that of Okimoto, who is his secretary, are going unfilled as the department attempts to save money. Donovan said he projects a savings of $395,911 in salary and benefits this year by freezing the positions."

JD said that they will fill 4 other positions (2 assistant football coaches and 2 athletic trainers) because:
"they directly impact student-athletes." (HA)

HA Note: "Officials, citing the impact of a declining economy on revenue, have said the athletic department is staring at the possibility of a "$2 million to $3 million" deficit for the current fiscal year that ends June 30, 2009."

HA Note: "Although the audit report has yet to be released, it is expected to show as much as a $300,000 surplus for 2008-09 thanks to a $4,385,555 payment for the Warriors' appearance in the 2008 Sugar Bowl. Much — if not all — of the $300,000 was expected to go to retiring a portion of the more than $4 million net deficit accumulated over five previous years."

About how position freezes and operating cutbacks are necessary, JD said:
"I know it (the hiring freeze) creates a hardship on the remaining administrative staff having to do the work with less people but it is the most immediate and fiscally responsive thing we can do, so we're doing it." (HA)

About how layoffs and cutting sports is a last resort, JD said:
"We don't want to lay anyone off or look at dropping sports, but based upon the the financial conditions we'll do whatever we have to do." (HA)

About the retirement of Margie Okimoto, JD said:
"we'll certainly feel the loss of Margie, who has worked with six athletic directors and does a super job, but the fact is we need to save some money right now." (HA)