Aloha Stadium’s
stability in question

But management claims it's
structurally sound and a
new facility is not needed

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By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com

State lawmakers and Aloha Stadium management disagree on the structural stability of the 28-year-old, 50,000-seat facility that hosts University of Hawaii football games, the Pro Bowl, other sports events and concerts.

A resolution requesting a study for the formulation of a master plan for the stadium was deferred yesterday after a joint hearing of the House Tourism and Culture and Higher Education committees.

Stadium manager Eddie Hayashi and stadium engineer Ken Tong said yesterday the facility is structurally sound. But concurrent resolutions from the House and Senate question whether the stadium should be renovated or demolished and rebuilt, or if a new stadium at a different location should be considered.

"We need to know if we can rely on the physical integrity of the stadium," said Alex Sonson (D, Pearl City-Waipahu). "Would it be cheaper to demolish it?"

Another representative, whose background is in engineering, worries how much longer the stadium can withstand the pressure it is subjected to during big events.

"The key for us is the physical integrity when the facility is full," said Rep. Michael Magaoay (D, Leeward Oahu-North Shore).

In January, lawmakers were told the stadium needs $40 million in repairs the next five years, plus up to $3 million a year in regular maintenance -- that's in addition to other repairs totaling more than $7 million, most going toward fixing the parking lot.

"If we are to look at maintaining the stadium at an $8 million clip every year, rather than sinking in all this cash, why can't we plan ahead and think what we would do with a new stadium?" Senate President Bob Bunda (D, Wahiawa-North Shore) said at the time.

To that end, the resolution calls for the state Department of Accounting and General Services, in consultation with UH, to study renovation and reconstruction options for the stadium.

Hayashi said money is not needed for a new stadium yet.

"As previously noted, the Aloha Stadium is structurally sound," he said in his testimony yesterday. "Ample documentation attesting to this fact has been provided to various senate committees during this and other legislative sessions. Setting aside any funds or earmarking appropriations for this task would be redundant and imprudent."