The Hawai'i High School Athletic Association's executive board has made its choice among applicants to replace outgoing executive director Keith Amemiya, and is hoping to have the person sign a contract this afternoon.

HHSAA president Meredith Maeda declined to name the choice last weekend and has been unavailable for comment, and a leading candidate contacted by The Advertiser last night declined to confirm his selection.

Maeda did say that among the three finalists evaluated by the board last Friday, none has a background in high school athletic administration.

"That's what made (the selection) so difficult," Maeda said on Saturday. "They all come from different fields and have different strengths. But all three were involved in athletics (in high school)."

Amemiya publicly announced his resignation in November, and his last day at HHSAA is March 6. He will begin his new job as interim executive administrator and secretary of the University of Hawai'i Board of Regents on March 8.

Maeda said the HHSAA board expects to offer a multi-year contract, possibly three years. The salary range listed on the job posting was $75,000 to $90,000.

Maeda said the board was "trying to take out" certain aspects that were included in Amemiya's contract.

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