Groundbreaking and blessing ceremonies were held today to mark the start of the installation of a new artificial surface for the University of Hawai'i at Manoa's Ching Field, formerly known as Cooke Field.

Installation was originally set to begin in August and be completed Oct. 31, but it faced protests in the bidding process. The state last month cleared the way for renovations to begin on the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletic Complex.

The contract of $862,381 was awarded by UH on Aug. 13 to RMY Construction Inc., the lowest bidder, to install a new synthetic playing surface. A few days later, CO-HA Builders Inc., and Ching's Nursery filed protests.

On Sept. 24, the second of two protests was dismissed by the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Sheryl Nagata after a hearing. Prior to that, CO-HA Builders Inc., the other firm that was contesting the awarding of a contract to resurface the former Cooke Field, withdrew its protest.

In early August, Gov. Linda Lingle released more than $1.2 million for installation of new turf with the Ching Foundation providing $5 million for the athletic complex.

The previous turf was removed due to extensive deterioration, leaving the current surface unfit for UH football practices, track and field, marching band practices, intramural sports use, ROTC practices and other activities.