While we wait to see if it will indeed get off the ground in time for the 2005 season that kicks off in just 29 days, let's see it for what it is, a bold and significant step in the right direction. One that UH Interim President David McClain has correctly embraced as a "value" decision.

It is one Halawa idea whose time has come. All too necessary, unfortunately, as repeat evidence suggests. In this UH games aren't alone, just later than most in coming around.

Surveys tell us several leading conferences, whether as a group of schools or one by one, have already gotten behind the movement. The Pac-10, Southeastern and Atlantic Coast conferences, have already banned alcohol sales where possible. UCLA turned off the tap in the 1980s and Southern California, the last Pac-10 holdout, comes into line by presidential decree this season.

All by necessity. Which, if you've spent many afternoons or evenings in the stands at Aloha Stadium, you've probably come to appreciate the hard way here, too. Between having beer splashed around you and on you and what happens when those who partake of too much of the stuff begin acting the part, it is a scene not worth prolonging for another season.

That kind of behavior adds nothing to the experience or atmosphere of a college game and takes much away. Especially if you're being asked to fork over premium seating money. As in too many things these days, the vast responsible majority end up paying for the sins of an overindulgent few.

UH's opening of an alcohol-free family zone last year was a positive in a small area but not enough to alleviate the problems scattered around the other seven-eighths of the facility.

Small wonder the tide of public perception has steadily turned. For example, 54 percent of the respondents to an Advertiser online poll last month favored banning the sale of alcohol at UH football games. Fifteen or 20 years ago, when UH football games were the event in the state and 40,000-plus showed up no matter the opponent, a poll would have probably found few complaints about alcohol abuse. But a situation progressively gone worse has gotten intolerable.

"I've been a season ticket holder for about 20 years and I've seen it escalate to the point where it is, I think, absurd some of the behavior that I've been seeing in the stadium," said Aiona, a former family and circuit court judge. "It is just not fun anymore. In fact, my children don't even go to the games anymore."

Would a ban, the likes of which the state and UH are pledged to implement, chase some fans away from Aloha Stadium? Probably. Initially, at least. But it might prompt a return of even more. Especially those who have been chased off over the years, tired of the boorish behavior of those who indulge to excess.

As a certain beer commercial counsels, know "when to say when." At Aloha Stadium, that time is here.