"If you don't do it now eventually you'll have to shut it down," state Comptroller Russ Saito said.

Saito said rebuilding would cost about $490 million dollars. At $185 million, the state's makeover master plan is a deal.

"The first priority will be the roof," Saito said.

Initial work calls for reinforcing the roof. Other immediate repairs will include stabilizing pedestrian bridges, installing new seats for old ones, and making the rust disappear.

"The rust with the painting layers on top of it actually keeps out the environment, keeps out the salts and the humidity so that the rust can't grow anymore," said Conrad Paulson, principal with WJE Engineers, Architects, and Materials Scientists.

Plans call for changing the dominant color to green, adding more bathrooms, and installing elevators to take fans to the upper levels.

"It's going to be great!" Saito said.

The state hopes a new and improved Aloha Stadium will draw big-time events besides UH football and NFL Pro Bowl. If that happens, the stadium may add luxury skyboxes and air conditioned lounges.

"We would only do those if there's a marketing study that tells us we've got some revenue to bring in," Saito said.

Phase one calls for repair and maintenance. The work will have to be done between football seasons. The major repairs should be done by 2013.

---