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State Agency to Take Lead on Aloha Stadium Replacement Project

Aloha Stadium

A Hawaii agency is preparing to take the lead on the Aloha Stadium replacement project, as state officials push to open a new facility by fall 2023.

First opening in 1975, Aloha Stadium is currently used for University of Hawaii at Manoa football and other events, but its aging condition and high maintenance costs have prompted the push for a new stadium. The plan that has been taking shape is for the construction of a new venue on the Aloha Stadium property, with surrounding land to be redeveloped as part of a concept that includes new mixed-use development.

In a key decision, the Hawaii Community Development Authority’s (HCDA) board opted last week to endorse a memorandum of understanding that makes it the “delivery agency” for the project. Thus far, the planning has been primarily led by the state Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) and the Aloha Stadium Authority, but the HCDA has been expected to take over as the result of a law signed by Hawaii governor David Ige in July. More from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser:

Gov. David Ige in July signed a bill into law as Act 268 instructing HCDA to take a handoff from the two other entities and use its redevelopment powers to replace the old stadium on state land with a new one plus other surrounding uses on the 99-acre site in Halawa….

HCDA is now the “implementation arm of the realization of the stadium district,” said Aedward Los Banos, HCDA executive director.

DAGS, with assistance from a consultant, has been working on an environmental impact statement and expects to issue a request by January for qualifications from developers wanting to build the new stadium.

From there, HCDA would step in to issue a request for development proposals and be the agency that picks a winning submission after considering input from the Stadium Authority.

Aloha Stadium has had a number of unique uses throughout its history. It was once a regular home for the NFL Pro Bowl, and hosted a Minor League Baseball franchise in the form of the Hawaii Islanders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) from 1976-1987. The facility is currently included on our Endangered Stadiums page.

Image courtesy Aloha Stadium.

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