Aloha Stadium interim manager Ken Lum this week announced his resignation after spending less than two years in the position.

Lum notified Aloha Stadium Authority chairman Kevin Chong Kee on Monday about his plans to resign, but gave no reason for his decision.

"I was kind of caught off guard," Chong Kee said.

Lum had guided operations at the 50,000-seat Halawa facility after taking the reins from longtime manager Eddie Hayashi, who retired on Oct. 1, 2005. Hayashi served 12 years as stadium manager.

Lum was not available for immediate comment yesterday.

"I don't think health had anything to do with it," said Chong Kee, when asked about Lum's health. Lum missed one meeting last year to tend to a medical issue.

Chong Kee said interim deputy manager Scott Chan will likely serve as a temporary replacement for Lum.

"I would imagine I can move Scott up for the time being, until we decide how we're going to proceed," Chong Kee said.

Meanwhile, Chong Kee said he wanted to expedite the search for a new stadium manager.

"It's been close to two years," Chong Kee said. "We've got to get this settled once and for all."

The Stadium Authority has conducted two rounds of searches for a new stadium manager.

The recent search drew "approximately 14 to 15" applicants, many of them promoters, Chong Kee said. Lum did not apply for the stadium manager position, Chong Kee said.

In addition, a bill that would have given the Stadium Authority control of setting the new manager's salary was dismissed, Chong Kee said. The salary range is capped at $81,463.

"As far as I heard, the bill is dead this session," Chong Kee said.

Chan was on the Mainland and was unavailable for immediate comment yesterday. He's scheduled to return to work today.

Chan was promoted to interim deputy manager after Hayashi's retirement.

Chong Kee said the manager's position will be addressed at this month's Stadium Authority meeting April 26.