Representatives of the University of Hawai'i athletic department have been asked to appear before the state House Higher Education Committee later this month, legislative and UH officials said yesterday.

Athletic director Herman Frazier is expected to be asked questions about operations of the state's only Division I-A athletic program in the wake of recent controversies over facilities and scheduling.

A spokeswoman for committee chairman Jerry Chang's office described the meeting "as an informational briefing," and said while no date has yet been set that May 21 is currently being targeted in room 309 of the State Capitol.

"A public notice will be issued as soon as things are finalized," Chang's office said in an e-mail.

Carolyn Tanaka, UH vice president for external affairs and university relations, confirmed the school has been contacted about a "legislative initiative" regarding "Manoa athletics," but referred all other questions to Rep. Chang's office.

An athletic department spokeswoman said Frazier had no immediate comment.

UH has yet to announce the final two games of its schedule for the 2007 football season, which is due to open in less than four months.

Last week quarterback Colt Brennan blasted the state of some facilities and leveled other complaints about operations at the school, comments that brought national headlines.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.