FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                    
November 21, 2007

Release No. M-128-07

CITY PUTTING ON GAME FACE

FOR HAWAII-BOISE CONTEST

            Mayor Mufi Hannemann today announced that that City and County of Honolulu is beefing up its security and traffic control manpower in anticipation of the congestion to be generated by the sold-out University of Hawaii football game and Christmas shopping.

            Mayor Hannemann said, “With the undefeated UH Warriors and Boise State Broncos meeting on Friday afternoon for WAC title bragging rights, on top of the post-Thanksgiving shopping spree and rush-hour traffic, we’re anticipating a lot of traffic congestion and we will be prepared.”

            He said the City will have technicians manually operating traffic signals at key intersections surrounding Aloha Stadium, while the Traffic Management Center will be providing information to the radio stations.

            The Honolulu Police Department will have a complement of 130 special-duty officers on hand for added security, 14 more than usual.  Half the officers will be within the stadium and the other half assigned to the parking area and nearby streets.  They will be joined on the field by additional on-duty officers after the game.

            The Honolulu Fire Department will have two battalion commanders on-site, as it does for all major events.

            The Honolulu Liquor Commission will dispatch its entire staff of inspectors to Aloha Stadium to assist police and stadium security officers with disturbances resulting from drinking.

            The mayor said, “Fans can help ease the congestion by taking TheBus’ Football Express to the game.  We have convenient, on-time bus service linking points across the island with Aloha Stadium, which will relieve folks of the headache of driving and the search for parking.

            “We’re advising motorists to use DriveAkamai.org regularly, which now has enhanced capabilities.  This website links alerts, advisories, and traffic cameras on an interactive map to help avoid areas where road construction is taking place in downtown Honolulu.”

            “I’m also urging fans to demonstrate aloha and respect for their fellow fans and our visitors.  Sportsmanship extends beyond the field and into the stands.  Coach June Jones and his outstanding team of student-athletes have shown a lot of class throughout the season, and I’m sure they’d want all the fans to do the same.  Go, Warriors!”

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Contact:

Bill Brennan, 527-6928