Tom Apple was trained as a chemist, and approaches his new job as head of the University of Hawaii’s Manoa campus through that lens.

"I am a scientist. I like to take data and then analyze it," said Apple.

But Hawaii taxpayers will be looking at Apple under a microscope.
Apple will make a salary of $439,000, which about four times more than what the governor makes.

In comparison, UH president M.R.C. Greenwood’s starting salary is $475,000.

She, however is under a temporary ten percent reduction and currently receives $427,512 annually.

UH spokeswoman Lynne Waters confirmed those figures.

That would have Apple drawing a higher salary than his boss at least temporarily.

During a Friday video-conference with news reporters, President M.R.C Greenwood tried to shield Apple from reporters’ questions about his record-high salary, although he did acknowledge his new job is more a lateral move than a boost in pay.

"I feel pressured, and I like that. I work best a little scared," said Apple.

The new chancellor is being tasked to raise student achievement and to increase the university's research dollars.