HONOLULU -- The University of Hawaii announced plans for a suspension and other actions after a comment made by its football coach.

During a meeting with the media, an emotional UH coach Greg McMackin took a moment to say how deeply sorry he was for his poor judgment.

"I hope to make up for some of the pain that I've caused others. I've made a mistake; now I have to show the leadership in dealing with both the football program and building respect for all people in the community," said McMackin.

McMackin made the comment Thursday when he referred to the Notre Dame football team.

"We do something special at the Notre Dame game, and they get up and they do this little cheer, this little (f----t) dance," McMackin said.

McMackin apologized for the comment he made.

"I'm committed to do whatever I can to use this as a life lesson, to learn from my mistake. I've offended the gay and lesbian community and now I want to work with the LGBT community on campus to use this as a teachable moment for me and hopefully others," McMackin said.

Following the news conference, UH Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw reacted to questions regarding some in the community who wanted to see the coach fired.

"I know several people have raised that issue. I have not seen a pattern of bad behavior from coach -- in fact, quite the opposite. He made a serious mistake, and I dealt with that. That what I based my decision on," Hinshaw said.

Community Reacts To Decision

Around town many people discussed whether they thought McMackin's punishment was fair or not.

Most of the people with whom KITV spoke said they believe the university's decision was fair.

News of McMackin's fate made rounds Friday night at the Varsity on University Avenue, and many said they agreed with the UH officials' decision.

"As I understand, a 30-day suspension without pay is a significant punishment who is making over $1 million a year," said football fan Stuart Kodish.

McMackin is allowed to remain coaching the team during his unpaid suspension, a provision football fan Joe McCarthy said he doesn't agree with.

"If he is going to be suspended, then suspend him. He can't be around. That's the punishment. If you are going to suspend him and still let him be there, I don't see where that is really doing anything," McCarthy said.

McMackin will meet with members of the gay community and assist in campus-wide workshops in sensitivity training.

He will also be in a PSA to be presented during student orientation.

"For the coach to say that he is going to do a public announcement describing how words can hurt I think it is great," said Carolyn Golojuch, Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays president.

Money from his salary cut will pay for a student intern to assist with the training workshops.

Many said it was a costly mistake but one from which they believe McMackin and the school can move on.

"Let's face it. This made national news, and this is a black eye for the state of Hawaii," one fan said.

Some have called on the coach to participate in next year's gay pride parade.

Incoming UH President Responds

Incoming UH President Marcy Greenwood declined to comment on the McMackin fallout because she said she is not yet the school's president, but she did call situation regrettable.

"I am not yet the president of the university. The president is still David McCain. He is the person you should be relying on for comments regarding the situation. I have not been fully briefed, so I do not know the details. I will say I was happy to say the coach had apologized," said Greenwood.

Greenwood said when she is president in the fall she will deal with the issue when the board of regents meets in October.