Attorney Bert T. Kobayashi Jr., a longtime key supporter of the University of Hawaii athletic department, has resigned from the ‘Ahahui Koa Anuenue booster club, citing a lack of respect for embattled Manoa chancellor Tom Apple.

In a letter to members of the Koa Anuenue board of directors dated Thursday and obtained by the Star-Advertiser, Kobayashi wrote, “… I strongly believe in AKA and its mission; however, I find myself in a situation where if I stay with AKA that I would have to work with chancellor Tom Apple, for whom I have no respect.”

Apple, by virtue of his position, also serves on the AKA board, replacing former chancellor Virginia Hinshaw.

Apple has been under fire since fumbling through an Aug. 13 press conference at Hawaii Hall. He also came in for strong criticism from the state Senate Special Committee on Accountability where he testified Tuesday.