Hula Bown could return to O'ahu

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

WAILUKU, Maui — After five years on Maui, the Hula Bowl might return to O'ahu.

Lenny Klompus, chief executive officer of the collegiate all-star football game, said he has been approached by several groups about playing next year's game at Aloha Stadium.

Klompus said he will meet with officials from ESPN, the National Football League and the American Football Coaches Association before announcing a decision, which could come as early as Sunday.

"We're going to get through the game on Saturday, and then our people will get together and decide the best thing to do," Klompus said.

Klompus said the Hula Bowl's deal with Maui County expires after Saturday's game at War Memorial Stadium.

A key factor is the recent marketing partnership between the Hula Bowl and the NFL, in which players and coaches from both parties will be matched in skill competitions and charitable events.

Next year's Hula Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 1, and the NFL's Pro Bowl will be played either Feb. 2 or Feb. 3 at Aloha Stadium.

"There's a lot of discussion about how we're going to get the Pro Bowl and collegiate players together," Klompus said.

One solution, Klompus said, is to schedule both games on the same island, providing easier access for fans, scouts and players.

"We love Maui," said Klompus, noting he and his wife, Hula Bowl executive director Marcia Klompus, moved to the Valley Island a few years ago. "We love the people in Maui. But we have a lot of things we need to talk about."

ESPN, which televises the Hula Bowl and the Pro Bowl, has encouraged Klompus to move the game back to O'ahu, insisting it will save in production and travel costs. In turn, ESPN could more effectively cross-promote both events.

Klompus said he is scheduled to meet with ESPN officials this week.

The Hula Bowl was played in Honolulu for 50 years, first at Honolulu Stadium and then at Aloha Stadium. But with dwindling attendance and competition from other events, an agreement was signed to move the game to Maui.