Violence at Aloha Stadium prompts call to ban alcohol

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - "This is what happens when beer happens," said the voice behind a YouTube video shot at Aloha Stadium Saturday night.

The two-minute clip captured a scrap in the stands during the second half of the UH Warriors game against Lamar.

"We got a fight going on," the cameraman said.

The tape showed a handful of drunken fans in an altercation with Honolulu police.

UH interim athletic director Rockne Freitas suggests Aloha Stadium officials consider banning alcohol sales during UH games.

"This is my own opinion. I want to see a ban," he said.

The Aloha Stadium Authority has the power to impose an alcohol ban. In 2006 a call for one was defeated by public testimony.

Saturday's altercation prompted Freitas to ask Aloha Stadium manager Scott Chan to discuss an alcohol ban with the Stadium Authority.

"Athletics is the face of the university," Freitas said. "Anything athletically should be a positive reminder of family and ohana for the university. Negative stuff is not good."

Stadium officials had no comment about Freitas's suggestion but did say the incident was more of a fracas than a fight.  The men were not in their ticketed section and were heckling the opposing team. When they refused to move, one took a swing at a police officer and was arrested.

Some UH fans think banning alcohol isn't the answer.

"The stadium should have more security or staff to protect them," Ren Kaneko said.

"Not selling alcohol at the games is going to get people to bring alcohol in and drink more beforehand," Jake Ikerd said.

Freitas said fights among inebriated fans endanger innocent bystanders.

"It should be of prime concern. A family-friendly environment should be number one," he said.

UH makes no money off alcohol sales during Warrior games. The school does sell alcohol during sporting events at the Stan Sheriff Center and Les Murakami Stadium.

Freitas said UH will examine that policy in light of Saturday's situation at Aloha Stadium.

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