'The first impeachment hearings since 1985 got under way today at the state Capitol.

But even the sponsor of the resolution against University Regent James C. Hayes said what he's really hoping for is a voluntary resignation.

Sen. Tom Wagoner, R-Kenai, presented the resolution today to the Senate Health, Education and Social Services Committee, which did not have enough members present to do business.

The resolution said Hayes, who is under a multiple-count federal indictment involving alleged misuse of federal grant funds, should be impeached for unauthorized use of the university seal and for repeated absences from Board of Regents meetings.

Committee Chairwoman Bettye Davis noted that three committees would have to consider impeachment before a vote of the full Senate could be taken.

A two-thirds vote would set up a trial in the House of Representatives, which would be presided over by a Supreme Court justice.

Wagoner said he doesn't want that unprecedented event.

"Senate resolution 3 is not an indictment that the Legislature believes Mr. Hayes is guilty, only that he should step down and remove the appearance of unethical behavior from his public office and also take the time he needs to defend himself in this case," Wagoner said.'