Lawmaker wants state to give $10M ‘boost’ to UH athletics

State Rep. K. Mark Takai has proposed that the Legislature grant the finacially struggling University of Hawaii athletic program a “one-time $10 million boost” with matching funds.

Under Takai’s proposal, which is to be introduced during the legislative session, the state would provide $2 for each $1 raised by the school.

The “boost” is intended to “leverage community support,” Takai (D-Aiea) said.

“It’s much easier to get community support and people in the stands when we have winning teams,” Takai said in a news release today. “However, it’s because of the past few challenging years that we need to step up now and support our athletic program.”

UH athletics ran up a $3.3 million deficit for the fiscal year that closed June 30, and projects as much as a $1 million deficit for the current fiscal year.