The 2009 Pro Bowl will be played in Hawai'i, Mayor Mufi Hannemann announced yesterday. Beyond that is anyone's guess.

The current contract between the state and the NFL expires in 2009 and the NFL had the option of moving the 2009 game, with a stipulation that the game return to the state in 2010, Hannemann said.

"I think it would be unrealistic for us to expect that we will have it every year," he said of the popular postseason game that's been played here since 1980.

"I think we have to recognize that the National Football League is a business, that there is amazing offers that come their way each and every year. And Hawai'i has been very successful in making the game very popular. We have really made that game a success. But in doing so, other cities now are envying Hawai'i and are very desirous of having the Pro Bowl played there."

In previous years, Orlando has made a strong play to get the Pro Bowl moved there.

Hannemann suggested that if Hawai'i loses the Pro Bowl that it still should be included as part of a rotation basis. He also suggested that the NFL hold a preseason exhibition game here during years the Pro Bowl is not held here.

"Honolulu has become synonymous with the National Football League's Pro Bowl and I for one would like to keep it here on a regular basis, even if we have to rotate it because of the increasing competition for this game, but as long as they give us a chance to show interest."

Hannemann added that with the game here for two more years — the 2008 game will be played Feb. 10 — "there's no reason why we shouldn't be able to put together a strategy to at least be part of the rotation."

"If they are going to move it and rotate it around to different places, that we, No. 1, be part of the rotation and, No. 2, be able to have an opportunity to have an NFL activity here of some sort."

Hannemann said the Pro Bowl staying until 2009 is important for visitor industry officials, adding that the event draws more than 20,000 visitors here.

He said having the NFL here also helps with charitable funding, which helped Roosevelt High School build a new football field, and Nanakuli set up a youth training center.

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