Within the next month the University of Hawaii and the Aloha Stadium Authority hope to get a better picture of future stadium prospects from two disparate studies.

Officials at both say they expect separately commissioned reports from outside consultants to start shedding some light on possible options.

In UH’s case, Athletic Director Ben Jay said he is awaiting the results of a study to determine space requirements for a possible 30,000-seat, multipurpose event facility.

According to the request for quotation, "the work product is to advise (UH athletics) and others and is considered preliminary in nature and scope."

The proposal seeks help to "develop schematic design plans for the facility to help determine a more defined scope, estimated budget cost and a potential construction timeline for the facility."

It seeks that "where possible, the exterior of the facility should be designed recognizing the history, culture and traditions of Hawaii with nostalgic elements reminiscent of the old Honolulu Stadium."

It notes, "A site for the facility has not been determined and selection of potential sites will not be part of this exercise."

The study, by a Los Angeles-based consultant, is to cost $15,000 and be underwritten by private funds, Jay said.

"All we’re doing is taking a look at a concept, really, to get an idea of the cost more than anything else," Jay said. "They are going to put together some schematics for me to look at, but I wanted to get an idea of how much this might cost and how much acreage it would take."

Jay has heard "too many numbers bandied about as much as $400 million,"he said. "And, I just want to know what we would be getting and have some numbers that make sense."

Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s Office has contracted Foley & Lardner, a Washington, D.C., firm, to do an elaborate eight-phase study of Aloha Stadium for $250,000.

The firm’s website said it has represented Guggenheim Baseball Management in acquiring the Los Angeles Dodgers and been involved in sales of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs.

The firm could provide a summary of the first two phases as early as this month, officials said.

The first phase involves the history and background of Aloha Stadium, and the second phase, according to the scope of services agreement, would "consider, for example, whether the appropriate standard is the highest and best use or whether workforce housing serves a more important goal."

It seeks interaction "with the visitors bureau and the University of Hawaii to determine if any opportunities exist that would impact the project scope" and asks the consultants to "interact with sports industry experts, including architects, construction firms and engineers to develop a scope and budget."

As many as 40 "stakeholders" were to have been contacted by the consultants. UH officials, including Jay, reportedly met with Foley & Lardner partner Irwin P. Raij for nearly two hours.

The third phase would involve developing criteria for request for information and request for quote solicitations, according to the scope of services.