It is more financially viable to build a new facility than to repair to Aloha Stadium, according to a recently-released report.
Officials in Hawaii have been debating whether to replace Aloha Stadium with a modern and smaller venue that could be tied to a redevelopment effort. That process took another step on Tuesday, when the Aloha Stadium Authority accepted a report on the facility’s future presented by Foley & Lardner.
The study cited current issues with Aloha Stadium, stating that “inspections have identified pieces of the building that have actually fallen into public areas of the facility (fortunately the stadium was vacant at the time),” raising concerns that the venue is a public safety hazard.
It was also found that repairing Aloha Stadium could prove to be a financial burden. Within the report, its is recommended that officials proceed with plans to replace Aloha Stadium with a new, 30,000-to-35,000 seat venue that could be expanded to accommodate 40,000. It found that replacing the stadium was a more financially viable option than repairs, making more sense as an investment over the long term. More from the Honolulu Star Advertiser:
Moreover, the state faces $300 million in current health and safety repairs with another $121 million for disability improvements and to bring the stadium to current code requirements, an average of $30 million a year if spread over the next 25 years, the reports said.
It would be cheaper, according to consultants, to build and operate a new 30,000-35,000-seat stadium with the ability to expand to 40,000 seats for special events.
The new stadium, which would be built adjacent to the current facility, would cost $324.5 million in 2017 dollars and require 36 percent less square footage, reducing operating expenses, the report says.
To help finance its construction the state would seek bids from developers for the remaining portion of the parcel.
A bill before the legislature would give the Stadium Authority expanded powers to redevelop the property as part of a complex.
Aloha Stadium originally opened in 1975, and is currently home to the University of Hawaii at Manoa football program. The stadium has also hosted the NFL Pro Bowl numerous times in the past.
Image courtesy Aloha Stadium.
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