University of Hawai‘i and June Jones announce resolution

University of Hawaiʻi
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Posted: Dec 19, 2008

The University of Hawaiʻi and a Hawaiʻi-based representative for June Jones jointly announced today the resolution of all issues involving the contract between UH and the former head football coach. The resolution was accompanied by the receipt by the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation of two donations to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa totaling $200,010.

In memory of the late Dr. Kanalu Young, the June Jones Foundation has donated $100,010 to the Na Lei Oʻiwi Scholarship Fund. Dr. Young was an advisor to the UH Mānoa football team during Jones‘ tenure while serving as a faculty member at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa‘s Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies in the Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge. Once administered by Dr. Young, this scholarship fund assists undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Hawaiian Studies or Hawaiian Language.

Inspired by the respectful nature of this resolution, an anonymous donor has contributed $100,000 to be used at the discretion of UH Mānoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw.

In late September, June Jones designated Big Island businessman and long-time friend John De Fries as his personal representative in these proceedings. Together with UH President David McClain and mediator Clyde Matsui, the three were able to craft and implement a resolution that proved to be acceptable and meaningful to both Coach Jones the University of Hawaiʻi.

UH President David McClain stated, "The University is pleased to be able to move forward with this matter resolved. June Jones has contributed much to the UH Mānoa football program and our community, and this resolution lays the foundation for our continuing relationship. I‘m grateful to mediator Clyde Matsui and to John De Fries for their efforts in this matter, and to all those who assisted them in these efforts."

"I do wish Coach Jones well in gratitude for accomplishments during his nine years as a coach and as a former UH player and student. Our athletics programs contribute in many ways to our university, as well as our community, so the donors‘ investments in UH Mānoa are greatly appreciated," said UH Mānoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw.

From his Dallas office at Southern Methodist University June Jones explained, "Our foundation‘s monetary gift in memory of Dr. Kanalu Young honors the life and legacy of a great Hawaiian man. For me, Kanalu will always be remembered as the ʻWarrior Elder of the Haʻa‘; UH‘s pre-game ritual that ignites and unifies the spirit of all UH Warriors, on the field and throughout the State of Hawaiʻi. For the June Jones Foundation, this gift represents the first of two philanthropic initiatives that will benefit the University of Hawaiʻi System in the coming year."

Jones added, "Thank you, David McClain, Virginia Hinshaw and the Board of Regents for your combined support of the resolution initiatives. Hawaiʻi is my home; therefore as I look beyond our past achievements in football, maintaining a healthy relationship with UH and sustaining productive contributions to our island communities will always be important to me. On Christmas Eve, Beat Notre Dame!"