Posted on: Tuesday, February 1, 2005

Bill proposes UH take over stadium

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Aloha Stadium Authority would be abolished and operation of the 50,000-seat facility would be turned over to the University of Hawai'i, under a bill scheduled for a hearing today before two committees of the state House of Representatives.

Another provision of the bill would transfer the Kapolei Recreational Sports Complex to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at the State Capitol.

The bill would allow UH to set rates and collect rent from the stadium. Currently, UH is charged approximately $800,000 per year in rent for football use of Aloha Stadium.

State Rep. K. Mark Takai, D-34th (Pearl City, Newtown, Royal Summit), who introduced the bill, said, "I believe this is something we need to entertain to provide (UH) with the tools necessary to compete at the Division I level."

Takai said UH is one of the few Division I-A schools that doesn't control its own stadium.

The proposal would prohibit UH from selling, leasing or transferring ownership of the stadium and assure continued use of the facility for high school activities, the Pro Bowl, swap meets, concerts and exhibitions.

In addition, Les Murakami Stadium would be required to be made available for high school baseball tournaments. The bill provides that all officers and employees of the stadium would be absorbed by UH and retain their jobs.

UH athletic director Herman Frazier declined comment through a department spokesperson. Frazier said he was made aware of the bill Sunday and will attend the hearing along with interim UH President David McClain, who will provide testimony.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.