University of Hawaii President David McClain today said he will be seeking pay cuts for faculty, as well as administrators, to help deal with $155 million in budget cuts over the next two years.

The statement came during testimony this morning before a joint hearing of the state House and Senate Committees on Higher Education.
McClain said the university is continuing to discuss terms of a new contract with the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly. UHPA’s contract expires today.
“The areas of continued discussion are on the cost front," McClain said. "There are a couple of things in the mix. There’s the health care piece, with the additional cost for health care. There’s also the compensation piece.”
McClain said the university is also considering an early retirement program. Furloughs may be considered once legal challenges to Gov. Linda Lingle’s furlough plans have been settled, he said.
Meanwhile, chancellors from the various UH campuses told lawmakers about how they intend to deal with the $76 million in budget cuts expected next year and the $79 million expected in fiscal year 2011.
UH-Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw said the flagship campus will be taking a disproportionately larger share of the $76 million in cuts — about $50 million.
So far, the campus has not renewed about 150 instructors, she said. And about 500 class sections are on hold, which could mean increased competition to get into courses, she said.
Additionally, Hinshaw said the campus is reviewing its program offerings and may consolidate academic divisions to save money.
“The impact on students is there. There is no doubt about it,” she said.