honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, October 12, 2001

Stadium defends bag ban

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

After being deluged with complaints from angry football fans, Aloha Stadium officials yesterday defended their new policy of banning handbags and purses at stadium events.

 •  2001 UH football schedule

• Sept. 8: UH 30, Montana 12
• Sept. 22: Nevada 28, UH 20
• Sept. 29: Rice 27, UH 24
• Oct. 6: UH 38, SMU 31, OT
• Tomorrow: Texas-El Paso
• Oct. 20: at Tulsa
• Oct. 26: Fresno State
• Nov. 3: San Jose State
• Nov. 10: Boise State
• Nov. 17: Miami (Ohio)
• Nov. 24: Air Force
• Dec. 8: Brigham Young (moved from Dec. 1)

"This is strictly security related," said Eugene Tokuhama, the stadium's events manager.

Tokuhama said the new security regulations, crafted after consultation with the Honolulu Police Department, are a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"You have to take certain precautions to protect everyone," Police spokesman Boisse Correa said. "This is something they're doing in every jurisdiction across the nation."

But callers to Aloha Stadium, the University of Hawai'i and the media complained that the new regulations will prohibit fans from bringing diaper bags, as well as such personal items as medication.

"I can see tightening security, with all of the things going on in the world, but there has to be a better way to do it," said Ralph Omoto, a season-ticket holder for UH football. "I know (stadium officials) don't have the manpower, and the easiest way is to ban bringing things in. But if they want the easy way, why don't we all come to the game naked?"

Omoto suggested creating a special entrance where bags could be searched. "If you're bringing a bag and you agree to be searched, accommodate those people," he said.

But Aloha Stadium spokesman Les Keiter said there is not enough time to search bags for UH games, which attract crowds of more than 30,000.

The list of banned items also includes backpacks, fireworks, umbrellas, weapons, noise-makers and outside food or beverages.

When asked how outside food could pose a safety risk, Correa said, "It depends on who's bringing the food and what their intentions are."

Making a few concessions

Two years ago, Aloha Stadium workers started searching bags to prevent fans from sneaking in food and beverages.

While acknowledging the new regulations would "augment the business at the concession stands," Keiter said, "that's not the purpose behind our policy. If the concession stands benefit, so be it. We're doing this for the safety of our fans. The safety of our guests is our main concern."

Fans may wear fanny packs, but they will be denied admittance if they refuse to agree to a bag search, Tokuhama said.

Tokuhama said flags are allowed, but not flag poles. Panchos will be given to fans on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans may bring panchos, but not garbage bags. Fans may carry diapers, baby bottles and blankets, but not in plastic bags.

Although there will be no metal detectors at the gates, police officers and stadium security guards will monitor the crowd for weapons, Correa said.

Tokuhama said he expects the measures to be in place through the end of the year.