Fans yield to security searches
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
Fans who followed the rules were cool about it. Those who didn't were hot.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
To be sure, both sides were well-represented last night at Aloha Stadium, where new security regulations went into effect prior to the football game between Hawai'i and Texas-El Paso. In particular, security stations were set up at each entry gate to ensure that fans did not bring in purses, backpacks or other similar handbags, umbrellas, weapons, noise-makers and outside food or beverage.
University of Hawai‘i football fans huddled under ponchos as showers fell before the start of the game against the University of Texas at El Paso yesterday at Aloha Stadium. In a promotional giveaway, 20,000 ponchos were handed out before the Western Athletic Conference game, which the Warriors won in a rout, 66-7
Fanny packs were the only bags allowed, but they had to be inspected by security personnel prior to entry.
Aloha Stadium officials said the security plan was developed after consultation with other larger stadiums around the nation, including Safeco Field in Seattle, and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
"I know it's not a popular decision, but it's one that had to be made," said Eugene Tokuhama, Aloha Stadium events manager. "Our concern is safety over convenience."
Warrior fan Everett Arakawa said he knew about the rules and so did not bring any items with him other than the wallet and game ticket in his pocket.
"It seems pretty Mickey Mouse, but I guess that's what they have to do," he said.
Several fans with purses and backpacks were not aware of the rules and were turned away at the gate. "I just heard one lady walking back to her car all salty because she had a purse," Arakawa said.
Donna Kooiman's bag — the same one she brought to a game two weeks ago — was denied entry last night.
"They're sure making it hard to watch a game," she said. "It's more convenient to watch it on TV."
However, some fans managed to get bags into the stadium after negotiating with security personnel.
Dennis Piosalam, his wife Lillie, and their 16-month-old son Dennison, walked in with a stroller and backpack filled with diapers and baby bottles.
"I'm all for the security," Dennis said. "But I don't think they should flat-out say no bags allowed. We have a baby and all we brought was stuff for him. We were willing to let them search everything inside and out as long as we could bring it in."
Fans with umbrellas were allowed to leave it at the stadium security office and then claim it after the game.
