Cayetano tries to save
Rolling Stones concert

The governor hopes to
accommodate both the show
and the Pro Bowl

By Mike Yuen
Star-Bulletin

Gov. Ben Cayetano has contacted local promoter Tom Moffatt and National Football League officials to try to accommodate both a Rolling Stones concert and the NFL's Pro Bowl here next year.

One idea floated by Moffatt is to have the concert by the legendary British rock group kick off an extended week of festivities leading up to the all-star football classic.

Moffatt said he had a five-minute discussion last night with Cayetano and came away with the impression that the governor would attempt to accommodate a Stones concert before the NFL game Feb. 1.

"He hasn't closed the door," said Moffatt, who's trying to schedule a Stones concert at Aloha Stadium on Jan. 21. "He hasn't given up. I have no idea how it could be worked out."

Officials in the Cayetano administration said the governor has spoken with the NFL and Moffatt, but details weren't immediately available.

Aloha Stadium spokesman Les Keiter said he is not privy to what the governor may be doing.

But, he said, the date for the Pro Bowl and the date when players report to Aloha Stadium, Jan. 26, can't be moved. "That's etched in stone," he said. "If there is any movement, it has to come from the promoter of the concert."

Yesterday, apparently before his talk with Moffatt, Cayetano told reporters he is convinced the Stadium Authority made the right decision in rejecting the request by Moffatt for a Stones concert on Jan. 21 because it would conflict with Pro Bowl preparations.

So far, Moffatt said today, Jan. 21 is the date he discussed with the Stones and has no indication it may be moved up. He said he also suggested to the Pro Bowl Week coordinator the idea of a Stones concert, beginning the hype to Pro Bowl week.

Cayetano yesterday said it would be great if a Rolling Stones concert could be held in Diamond Head crater since rock concerts were held there in the 1960s and early '70s. But, he added, rules established by the Diamond Head Advisory Council prevent that.

Asked if he's a Stones fan, Cayetano, 57, said: "Not really. I'm more Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett." But he added, "My children are fans and I'm sure I would be a fan if I went to see them."