DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
It was a downpour at Aloha Stadium yesterday, but it
did not dampen the fans' spirits during the singing of
the national anthem and "God Bless America."

Aloha Stadium security
bans fans’ bags
at the gate

Some fans complain of extreme
measures, while others are irked
by new traffic rules

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By Lisa Asato
lasato@starbulletin.com

FOOTBALL FANS had a mixed reaction to tighter security restrictions that ban bags at Aloha Stadium.

Jayne Masaki of Waipahu said the security measures were "a little overboard." And she was confused about what exactly constitutes a bag.

"There aren't clear guidelines; you can see the discrepancies," she said, referring to women walking inside the stadium with large totes and another carrying a full-size backpack, a no-no under the new rules.

Masaki said she traded in her backpack for a fanny pack and left some goods at home. "I didn't bring a poncho ... and now it started to rain," she said.

Mona Ellmore, saying the security measures are understandable, questioned why security demanded she throw away a plastic shopping bag when inside concessionaires were handing out similar bags for plate lunches and other items.

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Aloha Stadium instituted new traffic entrances as part
of increased security during yesterday's game.

James Milan of Kalihi Kai said he believes bag searches are warranted, but if no contraband is found, a person should be allowed to bring in their backpacks as they have done for years.

The new rule means "no bags, coolers or backpacks allowed," said event manager Eugene Tokuhama. "We're allowing purses but are checking them," he added.

George Nobriga, who has been going to UH games for five years, said he was not bothered by the no-bag rule. "The only people it's going to affect is people who are trying to sneak stuff inside," he said. "(People) have to take into consideration what's happening in the world right now. It's expected. They're just trying to provide a safer environment."

His friend, Hal Kamoto, agreed, saying the policy was already in place and security has been lenient. "It's about time they started following up on their rules," he said.

Traffic was heavy going into the stadium when the gates opened at 2:30 p.m., but there did not seem to be any major backups.

Some fans tailgating before the game said they did not have any problems with a rule designed to alleviate traffic by having fans drive through specific gates to park in a specific area.

John Tsukada, who still was not thrilled with the traffic situation, said the gate rule works well.

"It's less hazardous, and there's less traffic in your area," said Tsukada.

But Fred Shinsato of Waipahu said the gate rule was "especially bad for people coming from the Leeward side." He said there are only two parking entrances for people coming off Kamehameha Highway, the main gate and Gate 2. Now that he cannot use the main gate to access the spot he has tailgated at for 25 years, he has to bypass the stadium, turn around in the USS Arizona memorial parking lot, merge onto Kamehameha Highway "and line up in traffic again."

Lorna Williams of Waikiki said the new rules and security did not bother her, even the rule requiring tickets to be shown by people returning to their seats after halftime. "I don't think anybody's complaining nowadays, do you?" she asked, referring to increased security following the Sept. 11 attacks. "It hasn't been any imposition. I expected more."