The proposed alcohol ban at Aloha Stadium remained on hold yesterday, but a $100 million plan to repair the aging, Halawa facility moved ahead.

The chairman of the Aloha Stadium Authority yesterday delayed the vote on the proposed alcohol ban to Jan. 26.

"We needed more time to digest the public testimony," Aloha Stadium Authority chairman Kevin Chong Kee said. "Some members were not ready to vote."

The proposed alcohol ban in the Aloha Stadium parking lot for University of Hawai'i football games has been one of the most heated issues surrounding the stadium this year.

Supporters say the measure will provide safety and help curb underage drinking and alcohol-fueled misbehavior at Aloha Stadium. Opponents believe the plan will ruin tailgating tradition, decrease attendance and cause enforcement headaches.

Some Stadium Authority members yesterday provided alternatives to the proposed ban, such as having alcohol vendors place lids on alcohol cups to limit spillage on nearby fans, and levying penalties against fans who engage in alcohol-related misbehavior.

"Perhaps a $1,000 fine and a few days in jail will deter them and others from engaging in such unacceptable behavior," said Alvin Narimatsu, an Aloha Stadium Authority member, who opposed the alcohol ban.

Narimatsu said longtime fans have told him the Stadium Authority will be accused of being "hypocritical" if the ban applies only to the parking lot, especially since most of the reported incidents of unruly behavior are in the stadium.

In addition, fans have told Narimatsu they will "give serious thought about giving up their season tickets" if the proposal is implemented.

Home attendance at UH football games has declined two consecutive years to an average of 28,136 this past season, the lowest mark in coach June Jones' seven-year tenure.

On another issue, the Stadium Authority yesterday voted to present a $100 million repair project to the upcoming state Legislature. That figure is three times the $32 million it cost to build the 50,000-seat Halawa facility in 1975.

"The stadium was built 30 years ago," State Comptroller Russ Saito said. "The costs are going to be higher. It's inflation and additional costs."

The repair project is necessary for the stadium to withstand another 20 to 30 years of operation, and initial fixes are scheduled to be completed in three years, said Saito, who is assisting the Aloha Stadium Authority.

Saito said the stadium is safe, but needs extensive repair.

High repair priorities are corrosion protection and replacing the deteriorating high roof deck, said Saito, who added "planning and design" of the repair project must start immediately.

First-year fixes will focus on the east grandstands, which has the most corrosion, followed by the west grandstands in the second year, and the north and south grandstands in the third year, Saito said.

More than $26 million will be used to replace 50,000 seats and renovate areas in the seating bowl, including waterproofing some surfaces.

The repair project is a recommendation from a $300,000 study on the stadium's structural integrity and lifespan. The study also included an estimated cost of building a new facility, and potential for modifications, such as luxury boxes.

Wiss, Janney, Elstner and Associates was the lead consultant on the study.

The study said building a 50,000-seat stadium, with luxury boxes and club seats, on the same lot next to Aloha Stadium would cost $225 million to $280 million.

The study also recommended locking Aloha Stadium's grandstands into football configuration, which would save $10 million in maintenance and repair, but force baseball teams to find other venues.

NOTE

The Aloha Stadium Authority is negotiating with rock band U2 for "one or two shows," April 8 and 9, according to interim stadium manager Kenny Lum. "I think it looks pretty favorable at this time," he said.

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.