UH deal: Stadium parking will raise funds

Season-ticket holders with prime seats will have more access to prime parking spots at Aloha Stadium this fall, as the University of Hawaii athletic department hopes to raise $100,000 through a new parking deal with the stadium.

The Stadium Authority and management have agreed to make more than 1,000 parking spaces at the stadium available to UH to sell for Warrior home games.

The money the school makes will go toward athletic scholarships.

Season-ticket holders who pay premium seat contributions of $400 or more will be eligible to purchase passes for the spaces, which are in the inner ring of the parking lot, closest to the stadium entrances.

"To me, it's a really positive thing," UH athletic director Jim Donovan said. "It's going to mean raising revenue. The only downside is some people have been parking in that area for years. They might be eligible to buy the passes, but maybe some will have to go park elsewhere."

Donovan said the fee for the parking pass has not been set yet. Eligible season-ticket holders will be notified by mail how to get a pass.

Stadium manager Scott Chan said it is still to be determined how the stadium, which normally collects proceeds from parking, will be compensated by UH.

"A request was made by the university. They wanted to see how we could help support their program, particularly in funding scholarships," Chan said. "This will also assist us by improving the traffic situation."

Donovan and Chan both said there have been only informal discussions so far about the swap meet that also uses the parking lot during game days - and is also a big money-maker for the stadium. As executive director of the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, Donovan was able to work a deal last year in which the swap meet was not held the day of the game.

"It's among many things we've talked about," Donovan said. "I wouldn't frame it as getting rid of the swap meet, but how to co-exist with it in a better way."