Aloha Stadium will get a $185 mil overhaul

About the renovation of Aloha Stadium, state Comptroller Russ Saito said:
"It'll be just like when you walked into the stadium the first time. The seats were all shiny. The colors were bright. The steps you walked on were all solid. All of that will be refurbished. It will be like a new stadium." (HA)

HA Note: "The renovation project — aimed at extending the lifespan of the 50,000-seat multi-purpose facility for another 30 years — will entail several phases."

Stadium Authority Chairman Kevin Chong Kee said that the first stage is aimed at fixing:
"the health and safety issues of the stadium." (HA)

HA Note: "Later stages, aimed at enhancing "the spectator experience" and generating revenue, will explore adding luxury suites and several other amenities. Saito said the project will start in March, with major work being done between the end of the NFL's 2009 Pro Bowl and the University of Hawai'i football season. The makeover is expected to be completed in 2013."

About what needs to be fixed first, Saito said:
"The roof deck is the most corroded and the one most in need of attention." (HA)

HA Note: "Other highlights of the initial project include strengthening roof supports, controlling rust, replacing seats, repairing the parking lot, stabilizing pedestrian bridges and recommendations to add at least eight elevators and 300 women's toilets. Since opening in 1975 at a cost of $32 million, the state's largest facility has been dogged by costly repairs and lawsuits. From 1985 to 1995, rust treatment cost $80 million. By comparison, building a new stadium will cost an estimated $278 million in 2005 dollars, according to a study released yesterday by SSFM International, and Wiss, Janney, Elstner and Associates Inc."

A state environmental assessment draft said that new private elevators could take fans to suites, which will:
"enhance the spectator experience to a level on par with other venues of its size and, hence, its revenue-producing potential, thereby offsetting future maintenance costs." (HA)

HA Note: "The study explored the idea of adding 12 suites across the 50-yard line of the middle level of the stadium. The suites will have a total of 248 seats. The upgrades will displace 308 upper-field seats along the 50-yard line, according to the study. Since the stadium will be locked in football configuration, another proposal calls for adding an enclosed lounge on the four open corners of the stadium. This "loge level corner and sideline club addition" will have 960 total seats. Another proposal will be the "sideline club lounge and amenities addition," which will have 1,454 padded seats. The report also suggested converting the baseball press box into a super suite with 270 seats. It was unclear if more stadium seats would have to be displaced for this project to be completed."

About how structural improvements will take priority over seating amenities, Chong Kee said:
"I want the stadium to be structurally fit." (HA)

Downplaying the way the stadium vibrates when the crowd goes crazy, Saito said:
"The vibration is perceived to be a lot larger than it is. Its like .01 inch of displacement. It's safe." (HA)

HA Note: "Starting next year, workers will "stiffen" the eight pedestrian bridges that connect the corners of the stadium. The plan will attach stabilizing struts to the walkways, Saito said."