The consultant hired to assess the future of Aloha Stadium recommends that the state build a new, smaller facility on the lower portion of the current site in Halawa. Before moving ahead in even a preliminary way toward that recommendation, however, the Aloha Stadium Authority and the University of Hawaii must gain assurances from state lawmakers and UH boosters that the university’s athletics program, particularly the football team that is the current stadium’s primary user, has a long-term, viable future.

The budget woes of the UH athletics department are well known, and likely won’t be overcome solely by developing a winning football team that attracts more ticket-buying fans — although that certainly would help. University officials have tried time and time again to make the case that the whole community benefits from a vibrant UH sports program, enjoying and engaging with a variety of men’s and women’s teams in a variety of ways, and that funding those teams requires an ongoing commitment of general funds in greater amounts than currently offered.

The issue certainly takes on added urgency now that the stadium plans are in hand, and lawmakers would do well to offer those assurances so that the best stadium plan can move forward. The Legislature’s reluctance to provide more funding for athletics year after year may not diminish fans’ fervor for their UH favorite sports, but it is certain to diminish enthusiasm for a big capital improvement like a new stadium.

Lawmakers should make it clear that the state will support UH athletics so there is an open path ahead. Moreover, the Aloha Stadium Authority must improve the financial terms it offers the university for stadium use, to benefit the athletics department.

As to the specific recommendations of the consultant’s report, it seems that proper due diligence, including discussions with more than 35 different stakeholders, has landed on the best option: Building a new, smaller stadium on the lower portion of the current site. The consensus was that it would cost $134 million to $300 million to build a stadium seating 30,000 to 35,000 people, with possible expansion to 42,000 seats, depending upon the materials used and what amenities are included.

As expensive as that is, it is a better alternative than paying upwards of $200 million over the next 30 years simply to repair the existing 50,000-seat stadium to meet health and safety standards — no upgrades, just maintenance for the 40-year-old facility. The consultant cautioned, too, that those repair costs will rise significantly the longer the work is postponed.

Moving to a new site was considered, but rebuilding on the current, centrally located site was deemed best, according to the consensus view that both a new stadium and ancillary transit-oriented development, including residential and commercial construction, could fit on the site.

Although the main obstacle to building a new stadium is money, there are other challenges as well, including resolving deed restrictions on the site and obtaining necessary military, environmental and other government approvals.

The bottom line is that Aloha Stadium is too old and too large to meet the future needs of Warrior football, its main customer.

If the state moves ahead with this recommendation to build a new stadium, it must do so having made a long-term commitment to the viability of UH sports.