The head of the Aloha Stadium Authority task force said yesterday the state would have had to pay more than $1 million for breaking its vendor contract if a total ban of alcohol at the facility was passed, but insisted that wasn't the main reason for its decision.

"The finance part of it was a component of the decision," said Nelson Oyadomari, head of the three-member stadium task force that proposed a ban in the parking lot, but not on alcohol sales in the stadium. "I don't think it was the main component. I don't think we had a fear of being sued."

On Tuesday, the stadium authority approved the group's recommendation to ban beer and alcohol consumption in the stadium's 8,000-stall parking lot before, during and after regular-season collegiate sporting events. The proposed ban is on track to be enforced at University of Hawai'i football games in 2006.

Oyadomari said the partial ban was the best option available. If a total ban was sought, the state would have been liable to pay Aloha Stadium's vendor, Centerplate, "a million plus, at least" for breaking its contract that allows the vendor to sell alcohol, he said. Centerplate, which secured a 10-year contract with Aloha Stadium in 2001, has exclusive rights for all food and beverage sales in the stadium.

Oyadomari said Centerplate explained to the task force how much money it invested in setting up the alcohol-related infrastructure at Aloha Stadium, and the vendor also explained the contracts — including subcontractor contracts — were geared toward a 10-year return.

"People bring up specifics, 'It's about the money, it's about the lieutenant governor, it's about this,' " Oyadomari said. "People want to pin it on one thing. Based on all things considered, we feel this is the best course of action at this moment."

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, who spearheaded the alcohol ban in August, said amending the vendor's contract "was addressable," but he did not want to second-guess the stadium authority's decision.

"They have all the facts. They know what needs to be done," he said.

Aiona called Tuesday's decision a "monumental statement" toward public safety and toward curbing underage drinking and alcohol-related misbehavior at the stadium.

But he added that while a partial ban is a "positive step," it won't be his last step toward pushing for a total ban at the facility.

"It's not going to be complete unless you have a total ban," Aiona said. "For me, you just need that total ban."

Aiona didn't provide a timetable when he would pursue further action on a total ban.

"It's all part of our drug-control plan," Aiona said. "This is one small part of it."

Enforcement of the parking-lot prohibition won't be easy, or heavy-handed, Aiona said.

Aiona said violators will be asked by security to leave the stadium or get rid of their alcohol, but there won't be any criminal charges brought against the offender.

Aiona said he did not feel the need for more security than what Aloha Stadium already employs, saying, "I think they can keep security the same." Aloha Stadium usually employs around 100 security officers, including police, sheriffs and Wackenhut guards, according to recent security reports.

"I just hope people will respect the policy, and they respect the reason for it," Aiona said.

Herbert Naone, Aloha Stadium's chief of security, said such approaches as public service announcements and signs informing spectators about the ban could alleviate problems.

"We're not licking our chops to go after people who drink in the parking lot," Naone said. "If the policy is passed ... we'll do what we can. To tell you the truth, we're not looking to kick anybody out, or arrest anybody. If it's a no-alcohol policy, that's all we're saying, 'put it away.' We're not looking to create a whole lot of animosity among UH fans towards us or security."

The proposal must go through various state agencies, the governor's office and a public hearing and could be implemented by late December, after the UH football season.

The stadium authority will hold a public hearing next month at a date to be determined to gather public comment on the new policy. Naone said officials will take those comments into account when they determine how to enforce the alcohol ban.

Naone said he doubted every spectator will comply with the alcohol ban initially, but he hoped people would eventually adhere to the rule.

"I don't expect 100 percent compliance, but we do expect to gain ground in time," Naone said. "If 75 percent comply, then I've got 75 percent of the problem under control."

UH interim President David McClain, who wanted a ban inside Aloha Stadium, but not in the parking lot because of the tradition of tailgating, said, "We look forward to working with the authority to provide a safe environment for our fans and their families to enjoy UH football."

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.