More than just scenery and serenity, O'ahu's North Shore has become a money saver.

To cut costs, focus on the task at hand and just to escape from the distractions and traffic, the Breakaway soccer club of southern California is housing itself away from it all.

The team of 13-year-old girls is one of 248 boys' and girls' teams from 12 states here for this week's U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regionals that get under way tomorrow. The seven-day tournament involves 16 age-group divisions, from under-12 to under-19, and will be held at the Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Park. The event is expected to draw more than 8,000 players, coaches, administrators and family and pump more than $14 million into the local economy.

"We rented a house on the North Shore to cut the expenses," said Breakaway manager Frank Jesolva, whose daughter Jordan plays for the team. "We're doing that so we don't have to go out to restaurants, we can cook our meals. For breakfast and lunch, it's easier to do that and go out to dinner.

"We're specific in what we're going to do. We've been here a few times; we've seen the island."

Jesolva estimates he spent $8,000 over 12 days when his family of six came from California to watch daughter Megan play in the 2003 regional tournament here.

"We went to a lu'au, rented surfboards, the North Shore, Waikiki, stayed at Ko Olina," Jesolva said of their 2003 trip.

Tournament organizers estimated $12 million was pumped into the economy from the 2003 regionals with its 212 teams, 4,000 soccer players and the 4,000 to 6,000 family members and fans.

With more teams and more visitors this year, Hawai'i should see a financial kick despite the money-management efforts of some teams.

The Ala Moana Hotel expects $250,000 in revenue from the 180 rooms occupied by referees, administrators and four teams, said director of sales and marketing Marty Milan.

On top of the money already spent on airfare and lodging, visitors will spend on food, souvenirs and even a round of golf. Despite the costs, some have found it hard to pass up a trip to Hawai'i.

"We have a large group coming," Jesolva said. "We have 14 girls on the (Breakaway) team; everybody is more than just mom and dad. Except for a couple, we have grandparents, aunts, uncles (coming)."

STEEP AIRFARES

Breakaway was able to raise $17,500, primarily through a poker tournament and youth soccer camp, to cover expenses.

The price of coming to Hawai'i is particularly steep this year, given rising fuel prices, and the shutdowns of air carriers Aloha and ATA. Coupled with a week-long stay, that has prompted teams to search for all possible lodging accommodations.

One team saw its airfare increase by $300 within a week.

"People freak out when they come to Hawai'i because there's an additional expense, whereas other tournaments, people can drive to," said Michele Nagamine, director of sports marketing and sales at Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, who has helped teams secure lodging.

"Some people are doing vacation rentals, some are staying with relatives and rented out rooms to teams, one team was looking for dorm accommodations."

Costs also might have dwindled some travel parties.

Each team manager will complete a survey at today's tournament check-in, just as they did in 2003, giving organizers a better estimate on actual figures.

In the most recent report from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, spending by visitors from the West Coast averaged $158 per day in April. That figure was used in determining the economic impact of the regional tournament.

"The hardest part is the recent airline prices," said Steve Baker, director of sales for California-based Travel International Sports, which arranged for 14 teams to come here.

"That's a little bit of a determining factor, but a lot of teams have been able to get it together and fundraise."

Two of Baker's teams lost their flights when ATA shut down on April 2. But Travel International Sports was able to find them alternative flights.

GETTING TOO PRICEY?

Nagamine cautioned that the travel climate here may prevent events like the regional tournament from returning.

The Outrigger has been lenient in its cancellation policy, understanding that some teams only qualified within the past month.

Aqua Hotels & Resorts offered special rates and six of its 12 hotels are now booked with soccer teams.

But unlike previous years where some Mainland teams could drive to and from matches (last year's regionals were held in Las Vegas), this one required air travel.

"People have been friendly, understanding that we lost two major airlines," said Nagamine, who is also the technical director of the Leahi Soccer Club, head coach of the Kamehameha girls' team and recently was hired to lead the Hawai'i Pacific University women's team.

"They were prepared, but I don't think anybody is really prepared to pay $1,200 or $800."