University of Hawai'i athletic director Jim Donovan predicted that coaching salaries at the University of Hawai'i will level off after years of record growth and pledged to hold the line.

"Over time, as coaches change, we can lower salary amounts," Donovan told the school's Board of Regents.

Asked if that was realistic, Donovan said, "that's the reality. That would be my approach."

The tightening up on salaries comes as UH is running a $5.4 million deficit accumulated over the previous five years. Only a $4,385,555 Sugar Bowl payment put UH in the black for the fiscal year that closed June 30, 2008.

For the year that concludes June 30, UH is currently projecting a $3 million deficit.

Donovan told the regents that personnel costs are the department's biggest expense. He said approximately $13.5 million of UH's nearly $30 million operating budget goes to salaries and benefits. Pay for coaches and administrators is set by contract. Staff members salaries are tied to collective bargaining. Personnel costs have risen from $10.9 million in 2007.

Donovan's intention to hold the line on salaries on those under contract comes at a time when the national pay ceiling has been rising, especially in football and men's basketball.

"Although (leveling salaries) would be counter to everything that is happening in the industry across the country, I think the time is changing with all the reports that I see coming out," Donovan said.

In Hawai'i, head football coach Greg McMackin's $1.1 million annual salary is the highest among state employees. Total salaries for the 10-man football staff are approximately $2.1 million plus benefits and bonuses.

Donovan and men's basketball coach Bob Nash reportedly each receive approximately $240,000 per year.

Women's volleyball coach Dave Shoji earns approximately $175,000 while women's basketball coach Jim Bolla earns about $120,000.

Baseball coach Mike Trapasso earns about $130,000 and men's volleyball coach Mike Wilton earns about $100,000.

Wilton and Trapasso could be the first to test Donovan's plan. They are among those whose contracts are scheduled to expire this year.