The dawning of 2018 brings with it some major challenges — and opportunities — on the local sporting landscape from Manoa to Halawa and beyond.
1. Can UH football rebound?
The University of Hawaii football team will take the field with a rebuilt coaching staff in 2018 in hopes of regaining lost momentum and turning the so-far considerable corner on a winning season.
Offseason dismissals and departures, plus the earlier exit of offensive line coach Chris Naeole and new NCAA legislation has given head coach Nick Rolovich an opportunity to recast nearly half his staff for the 2018 season. At least five positions need to be filled on his coaching staff for 2018.
Naeole’s abrupt resignation the week of the Sept. 23 Wyoming game revealed a schism that contributed to the Warriors losing eight of their last nine games in a 3-9 season where they lost momentum gained on the 7-7 campaign and bowl victory of 2016.
How deep the shakeup goes and whether any of his two remaining coordinators, Brian Smith (offense) and Mayur Chaudhari (special teams), stay in their current positions remains to be seen. Defensive coordinator Legi Suiaunoa, who was likely to be reassigned, left to be a position coach at Oregon State and was replaced Friday by Saint Louis School grad Corey Batoon from Florida Atlantic.
How successful Rolovich is in restructuring the staff will go a long way in deciding whether or not the Rainbow Warriors can manage their long overdue first winning season since 2010.
2. Home for Holloway?
What UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway — and his legion of 50th state fans — most want for the New Year is to see him defend the title at home.
Holloway has made impassioned pleas and his fans have beseeched UFC head Dana White and it seems to have worked, with White declaring Friday he was open to bringing a show to Aloha Stadium.
“Obviously with a Hawaiian champion now too, it makes a lot of sense. We’re working on it,” White said at a press conference to promote another show.
In earlier interviews, White had voiced concerns about taking such a card to an outdoor venue such as Aloha Stadium due to the threat of rain while indoor venues such as the Stan Sheriff Center and Blaisdell might not be big enough for such a popular show.
State Sen. Glenn Wakai has prodded the Hawaii Tourism Authority to take an active role and the HTA has said it would be willing to consider proposals.
3. Aloha Stadium decision?
The rusting edifice will begin its 44th year of operation this summer, but the long-term future of the state’s largest entertainment venue remains a growing question.
Studies indicate that if a plan is approved to build a replacement the process could take five years or more with costs to top $300 million, depending on when the go-ahead is given.
A study commissioned by the state has recommended a new facility in the 35,000-seat range expandable to nearly 40,000 adjacent to the current stadium that could be financed, in part, by a public-private partnership.
The Stadium Authority has sought funds for an environmental impact study and master plan.
But continued inaction raises the cost of basic health and safety maintenance required to keep the stadium open and functioning by tens of millions each year.
Meanwhile, the facility is scheduled to undergo regular studies to assure its safety and assess the degree of deterioration.
