July 23, 2004

Wipeout in Hawaii

By JULIANNE BASINGER

A president is toppled amid claims of arrogance, cronyism, and misspending

Biography: Evan S. Dobelle

Timeline: Steps toward an exitBy JULIANNE BASINGER

As president of the University of Hawaii System, Evan S. Dobelle kept in his office here a bucket of plastic crabs tipped on its side, a few fake crustaceans scattered across the floor. The scene was meant to send a message about his mission in Hawaii, a place where Mr. Dobelle says people had clawed and pulled each other