In talks with the NFL, the Hawaii Tourism Authority said it has suggested creating a pro football developmental league in Hawaii.

Under the initial proposal, which the HTA said the NFL has encouraged discussion of,  the league would have two teams on Oahu and four more spread across Hawaii Island, Maui and Kauai.

The league would play its games in spring or summer to help groom players for the NFL.

"With some help from the NFL, it might be possible," said David Uchiyama of the HTA. "It might be more cost-efficient than NFL Europe," Uchiyama said. NFL Europe operated between 1991 and 2007.

Uchiyama said the idea surfaced when the HTA began brainstorming with the NFL about ways to expand the ties between the league and Hawaii as part of its Pro Bowl association.

The NFL announced today that the Pro Bowl will return to Hawaii for 2013, its 33rd year at Aloha Stadium.

The HTA said it has also proposed the NFL play an exhibition game in Hawaii in years when the Pro Bowl is played elsewhere.