UH Manoa Chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman and Athletics Director Ben Jay announced today that UH Men’s Basketball Head Coach Gib Arnold and Assistant Coach Brandyn Akana have been relieved of coaching duty and are departing employment from the University of Hawaii.

Pursuant to his contract, Arnold will be employed through January 26, 2015, and will be paid a lump sum payment for the remainder of his contract term, set to expire June 30, 2015.

Akana will also be employed through January 26, in accordance with his contract. He will not be entitled to any additional compensation.

"These painful but critical steps are being taken in an effort to strengthen our athletics program and to do right by our student athletes and students in general," said Jay in making the announcement to Athletics Department employees today. "We appreciate the work of Gib and Brandyn and wish them both the best in the future."

Chancellor Bley-Vroman said, "We are committed to setting the best possible examples for our players not only on the field of sports but in life. Athletics Director Jay has my full support in these steps that will strengthen the long-term future of our athletics program and our university."

University of Hawaii System President David Lassner and Board of Regents leadership have been informed of these actions and stand behind the athletics director and chancellor as they make these difficult decisions.