Despite columnist Dave Reardon dismissing House Bill 1494 as “nonsense,” as chair of the House Higher Education Committee, I believe this bill is both practical and necessary to safeguard University of Hawaii football (“Alcohol allowed, so Legislature’s stance against gambling a mystery,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 16). HB 1494 redirects $350 million from the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) to UH, creating a crucial contingency plan.
Since Aloha Stadium closed in 2020, we’ve been promised a world-class replacement to elevate UH football and serve the community. But the financial reality has changed — the developer now admits the project is hundreds of millions short, raising the risk to taxpayers of a costly boondoggle.
While we all hope NASED succeeds, hope is not a strategy. Meanwhile, the $350 million set aside will lapse this summer without a signed deal, and reappropriating those funds could take years — if political will even exists.
This isn’t the perfect solution, but it’s a responsible Plan B. HB 1494 could transform Clarence T.C. Ching Field into a permanent facility and protect the future of UH football before it’s too late.
Rep. Andrew Takuya Garrett
House District 22 (Manoa)
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