The University of Hawai'i Board of Regents yesterday approved the appointment of Dr. Jerris R. Hedges as new dean of the John A. Burns School of Medicine.

Hedges is currently vice dean of the School of Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Ore. Its School of Medicine was ranked in the top 2 percent of American medical schools for primary care education by U.S. News & World Report.

The UH medical school's top spot has been open since 2005 when Dr. Edwin Cadman departed because of an illness. Dr. Gary Ostrander, the medical school's vice chancellor for research at UH-Manoa, has been serving as interim dean.

UH has scheduled a news conference today to introduce Hedges. It will take place at 11 a.m. in room 309 of Hawai'i Hall.

HONOLULU FAMILY FESTIVAL RETURNING

After two years of record-breaking attendance, the city-sponsored Honolulu Family Festival at Magic Island will return this summer with a two-weekend schedule, Aug. 7-10 and Aug. 14-17.

The family-oriented event will feature food, rides, games and entertainment. It is presented by Mayor Mufi Hannemann, the city government, Honolulu 100 and E.K. Fernandez Shows.

Admission is free. Scrip for food and rides will be available for purchase on site, with part of the proceeds going toward the refurbishment of Ala Moana Beach Park.

For more information, contact Fran Kirk at 923-8075 or www.honolulufamilyfestival.com.

AAJA CHAPTER TO MARK 20TH YEAR

The Hawai'i chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association is celebrating its 20th anniversary Feb. 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Willows Restaurant in Mo'ili'ili.

The event will feature an all-you-can-eat heavy pupu buffet, hosted beer and wine stations by Keoki Brewing and Kai Vodka, a silent auction and live band.

AAJA is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships, professional training and resources for accurate coverage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

The public is welcome. Tickets are $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers and $35 for students. For information, call 535-8102 or 535-2451.

BOARD OF REGENTS SEATS AVAILABLE

Applications are being accepted for those interested in an appointment to the University of Hawai'i Board of Regents for the term beginning July 1.

Application and waiver forms must be completed and received by Jan. 18. Applications received after that date will be considered during the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.

The Regents Candidate Advisory Council is responsible for presenting qualified candidates to the governor. Members are then nominated and appointed by the governor with consent of the state Senate.

For more information on the application process, go to www.hawaii.edu/rcac or call 692-1218.

SAIKI REAPPOINTED TO CENTER'S BOARD

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has reappointed former U.S. Rep. Patricia Saiki to the East-West Center's Board of Governors.

Saiki was first appointed to the board in 2003.

She served in Congress from 1987 to 1991 before heading the U.S. Small Business Administration under former President George H.W. Bush.

The East-West Center was established by Congress in 1960 to strengthen understanding and relations between the U.S. and counties in the Asia-Pacific region.

VICE CHANCELLOR NAMED AT UH-HILO

University of Hawai'i-Hilo Chancellor Rose Tseng recently announced the appointment of Michael P. Crosby as interim vice chancellor for research. The appointment took effect Tuesday.

Funded by the National Science Board, Crosby's appointment is for one year, with an option to renew for an additional year. Crosby will be on a leave of absence from his current position as executive director of the National Science Board, which sets policies for the National Science Foundation and serves as an independent advisory body to the president and Congress on science and engineering research and education.

Crosby will be responsible for strengthening science and engineering research at UH-Hilo, developing such areas as its research capacity, competitiveness and management capabilities.