UH Warriors’ losing season affecting businesses

With attendance for the University of Hawaii football game at its lowest in more than 35 years, the school is not the only one that’s losing out.

Local businesses are also feeling the effects. Restaurants and other businesses say when the team loses, they lose as well.

This is what Aloha Stadium looked like during Saturday’s UH game against Boise State. Few fans, and a lot of empty seats.

"I can’t control that, I just can’t. I feel badly that they’re not there to support us, but all I can do, is what I can do," said Norm Chow, UH head football coach.

About 24,000 people attended, which is the lowest number since 1976. Attendance numbers have been steadily dwindling this season, creating a domino-effect for local businesses.

"It is a little slower than before," said Justin Tanioka, general manager of Tanioka’s.

On game day, Tanioka’s in Waipahu used to see a line out the door for a solid five hours. Now, it’s just a lunch rush.

"Can’t really compare it to a couple years ago when they went 12-0 and when they used to have June Jones, everyone used to go to the games," Tanioka said.

He says the company has seen a decrease in sales. That’s also what Nancy’s Kitchen in Waipio is reporting.

"They affect my economy a lot," said Corey Lum, bar manager at Nancy’s Kitchen.

The restaurant televises the UH games in the lounge and bar areas. Lum says only 10 percent of the people who used to watch the UH games in the beginning of the season, now show up.

"It’s pretty empty except for the Na Koa supporters and a few scramblers that come in," Lum said.

Another hot spot for UH games also says it’s losing business. The company did not want to be identified, but the owner said a couple years ago, it used to attract 300 people. This past Saturday, only 25 fans attended.

But for those who live near Aloha Stadium, the low turnout, does have one advantage.

"I noticed the last couple of weeks that there’s been a lot of parking space available on my street," said Francis Keeno, resident.

Everyone who we talked to say they don’t blame anyone for the drop in business. They understand UH is going through a rebuilding period and they still support their team.