Aloha Stadium brawl reignites debate over alcohol - KHON2

HALAWA, OAHU-  The issue of unruly fans at Aloha Stadium is back in the spotlight after a fight during last Saturday's University of Hawaii football game was witnessed by thousands of spectators. 

The brawl broke out in the student section of the stadium after a woman was allegedly harassed and friends came to her defense.  The woman, who asked not to be identified, told Khon2 the instigators appeared to be drunk.  One man can be seen on video shot by Khon2 leaving the stadium with a bloodied face.

The melee was a topic of discussion Thursday morning during a meeting of the Aloha Stadium Authority.  Members reviewed security policies and concluded the fight did not warrant further action.

“It was just maybe a couple of people who didn't like each other or didn't like the way things were going,” said authority member Marcia Klompus. 

“We feel it was an isolated situation,” added stadium manager Scott Chan.

In July of 2005 former Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona ignited a polarizing debate when he urged the Stadium Authority to ban all alcohol during UH football games.  At the time it was not uncommon to witness violence in the stands

"I want them to stop selling alcohol both in the parking lot and in the stadium on game day,” Aiona said at the time.

After months of study and consternation, authority members voted 6 -1 in January of 2006 to keep the status quo.  Klompus was the only member to vote in favor of the alcohol ban, but nearly six years later her position has softened.

“People have really shaped up the stadium,” said Klompus.  “It's very safe for families and children.”

NEW SECURITY MEASURES

Led by Chan and deputy stadium manager Lois Manin, new security measures were put in place to clamp down on unruly behavior.  Fans are only allowed to enter sections of the stadium where their seats are located, and two years ago, a task force was created to patrol certain sections.

“They're in a quarter of the facility, so they have a section north, south, mauka, makai and they roam in pairs of two,” explained Chan.  Roughly seventy Honolulu police officers patrol the stadium every game to augment a staff of private security guards.

Stadium officials also have the authority to cease beer sales before the end of the third quarter, if they feel behavior is getting out of hand. 

Nelson Oyadomari, who on Thursday was voted to replace Kevin Chong Kee as chairman of the authority, has no immediate plans to revisit a ban on Alcohol.

“I think these are perceived events of the past, so no, I don't see it right now,” he said.

BEER MONEY

While authority members believe Saturday’s fight was isolated, the stadium has a financial interest in keeping beer sales going.  The stadium receives 48.5 percent of all food and beverage concessions, and in beer alone, that amounts to over half a million dollars every UH football season.

“Any segment of the food and beverage would hurt if it wasn't available, Oyadomari admitted.  “But if it came to pass where it is not available, the stadium would make do and we would make it up in other areas.”

Saturday's fight did not result in any arrests, but officials insist the stadium will take swift action against fans should the situation warrant it. 

“If it's not tolerated, we will arrest individuals if need be,” said Chan.

Oyadomari urged fans to create an enjoyable atmosphere at the four University of Hawaii football games yet to be played at Aloha Stadium.

“Everybody has to take responsibility,” he said.  “Fans, management, the board, law enforcement - everybody has to contribute.”

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