Hawaii and NFL
say deal is a hit
But one legislator thinks the state
‘caved’ and could have gotten
a better Pro Bowl contract
Jim Barahal is a Pro Bowl fan. He's glad the NFL's all-star game will be played in Hawaii for at least another five years -- even at a price of $4 million or more per year of state funds.
State officials and the NFL announced a new contract yesterday that keeps the game at Aloha Stadium through 2009 (with a smaller state subsidy than before), calling it a win-win. But for Barahal, who is president of the Honolulu Marathon, it is more like a win-draw.
"I've always been kind of an all-around sports fan. I think the Pro Bowl brings good value to the state," Barahal said. "People can argue if it's worth $4 million or $5 million or whatever. If you look at the direct impact it's substantial, and it puts the Hawaii brand out across the country. Local sports fans enjoy all-star athletes. I'm a Pro Bowl supporter. It doesn't sound like a bad investment."
Barahal said the fact that the marathon does not receive financial support from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (the state entity that subsidizes the Pro Bowl) is "a separate issue." A Hawaii Pacific University study (commissioned by Barahal) shows the marathon to have an annual $84-million economic impact compared to the HTA's estimate of $30 million in direct spending and state taxes in Hawaii generated by the Pro Bowl.
"I say good for the Pro Bowl, but I would like to see the marathon supported to the same extent," Barahal said. "The marathon does no marketing on the mainland and Europe. With support a fraction of the Pro Bowl, we could do a lot more for the community. But, again, the fact the marathon doesn't get money but makes more impact doesn't mean the Pro Bowl is not a good value for the state. I'd just like to see it proportional someday."
Barahal said he has had discussions with the HTA about financial support, but "their budget is so wrapped up with the Pro Bowl and golf there's very little money available."
The upcoming game on Feb. 13, 2005, was to have been the final one on the old contract, and the state was to have paid $5.5 million. But the new deal calls for $4.75 million in 2005, and $4 million the next four years.
State Sen. Sam Slom (R, Kalama Valley-Aina Haina) said the state shouldn't pay anything to host the Pro Bowl, which has been played at Aloha Stadium since 1980.
"I haven't seen the new contract, but while on its face it looks like a better deal because the subsidy is lower, we should keep perspective that before it was way too high. I feel the NFL should be paying Hawaii. I remember the days when the game was successful here with no subsidy. The players really determine where the game is held, and they love Hawaii," Slom said. "No. 2, it seems we caved in. They get parking, concession, advertising. All that has dollar amounts as well. I would prefer better negotiation.
"I do know, though, the NFL is generous and gives to local charities," Slom added.
NFL vice president of special events Jim Steeg said, "The charitable component is key to us."
The new contract includes a $1 million contribution by the NFL to create a youth education center for at-risk youth. The state will add $2 million to the project.
Also, the NFL will contribute $50,000 per year for refurbishing of Aloha Stadium. The state, through HTA, will add $200,000 per year.
Specific improvements haven't been decided, but HTA president Rex Johnson said some will be done by the 2007 game.
Starting this year, the NFL gets a "clean" stadium, meaning it will control all advertising, concessions and signage and parking. Also, the league and the state will combine marketing efforts.
"I think it's a fair deal," Johnson said. "The entities that win are the NFL and the state of Hawaii."
Gov. Linda Lingle voiced support for the game in a statement released yesterday:
"The Pro Bowl is seen by millions of people nationwide and attracts thousands of visitors to Hawaii. In 2004, more than 22,000 visitors came to Hawaii specifically for the Pro Bowl and they contributed more than $30 million in direct spending and taxes to our economy."
Tickets on sale: 2005 Pro Bowl tickets are available now at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Times Supermarkets, Blaisdell Box Office, Panda Travel (downtown and Kapahulu), Brigham Young-Hawaii, Mokihana Travel and Aloha Stadium.
Tickets for the Pro Bowl -- 2:30 p.m., Feb. 13 at Aloha Stadium -- are also available by phone at (877) 750-4400 or online at ticketmaster.com. Prices range from $30 to $150.
Meetings on Maui: The NFL's postseason owners meetings will be held on Maui this year.
"It's the first time after a 15-year absence," Steeg said.
Steeg to Dolphins?: Steeg is leaving the NFL following this season after working for the league for 25 years. Prior to that, he was business manager for the Miami Dolphins. Several published reports have said Steeg is a candidate now to become president of the Dolphins.
"I've had no conversation with the Dolphins the past four weeks," he said.
