Stadium’s Hayashi
to retire today

He has served as the manager
of the facility for 12 years

Eddie Hayashi is expected to announce his retirement as Aloha Stadium manager today, according to multiple sources.

Neither Hayashi nor stadium spokesman Patrick Leonard could be reached for comment last night, but a press conference is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today at the stadium.

Hayashi has been associated with Aloha Stadium for more than two decades and is in his 12th year as manager of the 30-year-old Halawa facility. He was a member of the Stadium Authority from 1980 to 1988 and served as deputy manager from 1989 to 1994.

Les Keiter, who worked at the stadium as a media liaison for nine years before retiring three years ago, said he hadn't heard of Hayashi's retirement plans yesterday, but also wasn't surprised upon hearing the news.

"I have nothing but affection for Eddie and I think he's done a fabulous job under a lot of pressures," Keiter said. "I'm not surprised it's happened, because there were plenty of indications that something might be up. ... I wish him nothing but the best."

Hayashi has overseen a stadium that has served as home for the University of Hawaii football team since 1975 and has been the site of the NFL Pro Bowl since 1980. The stadium also hosts various concerts and high school events.

The stadium hosted a sold-out crowd on Saturday for UH's season-opening football game against defending national champion USC.

The stadium has faced several high-profile issues during Hayashi's tenure as manager.

Most recently, the Stadium Authority voted to consider a ban on alcohol at the stadium for UH football games last month. A task force was appointed to study a possible ban and report to the board at its next meeting.

UH is also seeking to have its rent reduced for use of the stadium, and there have been proposals to transfer control of the stadium to UH.

In 2003, FieldTurf was installed to replace the stadium's Astroturf surface following lengthy negotiations.

Possible successors could include current stadium officials Scott Chan and Eugene Tokuhama. They could not be reached for comment.