The University of Hawai'i hopes to name a new athletic director "within the next four to six weeks," Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw said yesterday.

"My intent is to move forward expeditiously in conducting the search and recommending an individual for the position," Hinshaw said. "The goal is to accomplish that process within the next four to six weeks. In that way, we could complete the process well before the end of the semester."

Athletic director Herman Frazier was fired Jan. 7 — one day after football coach June Jones left for Southern Methodist University — and associate athletic director Carl Clapp was appointed as interim AD.

Clapp's appointment — and raise to $227,808 — is for up to a year. UH said it is "standard procedure" to fill vacancies with interim appointees for a "one year duration unless sooner relieved."

UH President David McClain said, "When Virginia has a name to recommend to me, and with my concurrence, that name can be forwarded to the Board of Regents for their approval."

McClain said, "I'm sure this matter is very 'front of mind' for her and she will be proceeding expeditiously."

Clapp declined to say if he intended to apply for the position when it is advertised.

"What I have agreed to do is provide leadership during this time and then give the chancellor an opportunity to assess the qualities, characteristics and talents that would be appropriate for the new director of athletics," Clapp said.

He would not say if, as part of the agreement to handle the interim duties, he was assured of a place in the new athletic department.

"It is my intention to continue working for the University of Hawai'i," Clapp said. "I would really, really like to do that. Which role that is in or how it goes is really up to the chancellor."

Meanwhile, Frazier returned this weekend from an interview for the vacant athletic director's position at the University of Miami, where he is believed to be on the short list of candidates to replace Paul Dee, who resigned after 15 years. Two associate ADs, Jeff Compher of Washington and Rob Mullens of Kentucky, are believed to be among the finalists.

Frazier has also been encouraged by people in the track and field community to apply for the vacant position of chief executive officer of USA Track and Field.

That position, which has paid upwards of $300,000, became vacant when Craig Masback resigned the day after Frazier's firing to work for Nike. Frazier had a $250,000 annual salary at UH.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.