As Aloha Stadium quietly rots under the hot Hälawa sun, there seems to be some movement — finally — to come up with solutions that go beyond throwing more money at the problem.

The state hopes to lift restrictions on commercial development of the stadium site.
It’s a promising idea: Private investments in revenue-generating projects could help pay to renovate the aging stadium — or better yet, a new one more suited in size and design to Hawaiçi sports — while saving taxpayers much of the estimated $214 million to extend the life of the 35-year-old Rust Palace.
Of course, whether such projects would be profitable is an open question. And the impact on the surrounding neighborhoods also would need to be considered. But having more options to develop the land makes sense, especially in these lean economic times.
We’re also long overdue in coming up with more sustainable long-term solutions for the stadium site. Otherwise, it’s foolish for the state to keep pouring money into the deteriorating facility, particularly while other critical needs are being scaled back.
Also, since the city’s rail-transit system will include an Aloha Stadium stop, the state and city should coordinate plans for transit-oriented development around what could be one of the most attractive benefits of the train — easy access in and out of the stadium.
Lifting the current deed restriction makes sense. The restriction prohibits commercial enterprises other than “recreational” uses such as the swap meet or concerts. The restriction was put in place in 1967, when the federal government sold 56 acres of land now included in the stadium site. As part of a deal to lift the restriction, the state must come up with an equivalent amount of land for recreational use in exchange for lifting the restriction.
State Sen. Fred Hemmings, a prime mover of the deal, envisions a three-story shopping development around the bowl of a brand-new stadium, with a transit station in the thick of it.
The stadium and surrounding improvements would be paid for and operated privately, with lease agreements to protect the public’s interest in access to and use of the stadium.
It’s an intriguing prospect. With coordinated efforts, the future of Aloha Stadium could end up looking entirely different and ultimately become a prudent investment.
Spending millions on refurbishing the stadium, particularly in this economy, is a drain on taxpayers’ wallets.
It’s time to come up with better solutions.