Aloha Stadium will require “at a minimum” $30 million from the legislature over the next two years to fund needed repairs to keep the facility safe and operable, the Aloha Stadium Authority said at its meeting today.

The announcement came following the authority’s discussion and adoption of a 2018 structural and safety evaluation by its structural engineering consultant, Wiss, Janney, Elster Associates.

The 66-page report identified approximately 200 weathered steel members and 85 panels of lightweight deck that “exhibit severe corrosion.”

Authority chairman Ross Yamasaki said, “While the stadium currently meets health, safety and welfare standards, after 45 years in operation, repair and maintenance issues are mounting. The latest report reveals some previously unidentified issues such as corrosion at the base of the diagonal cross bracing frames at the end zones. It also indicates that corrosion is accelerating which is understandable as the stadium continues to age.”

Eight areas of the stadium were identified as requiring repairs “immediately” or within the next 24 months.

The Authority said $20 million is needed for the 2020 fiscal year and $10 million for fiscal 2021.

In addition, the Authority said it will need annual inspections instead of biennial ones it has previously required, as recommended by its consultant.

“The maintenance and safety of the facility has always been our top priority,” said stadium manager Scott Chan. “That’s why we’ve been proactive about commissioning these assessments and evaluations, so we can identify and prioritize needed repairs.”

Chan said, “Until the state takes action to redevelop the site and build a new stadium or explore other options, we must continue to maintain the facility to ensure Hawaii has a venue to accommodate large-scale community, entertainment and sporting events. It is our hope that the legislature recognizes the importance of funding our budget request.”