Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. today released the following statement regarding the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s decision to reconsider on Friday the NFL’s latest proposal to bring the Pro Bowl back to Hawai‘i in 2011 and 2012:

I am glad to see that the HTA board will reconsider the NFL’s proposal so we can begin working on making the Pro Bowl even better.
This issue affects the entire state, and I appreciate the concern of so many people throughout Hawai‘i who want an agreement.
I will testify Friday on behalf of our Administration and the people of Hawai‘i who want to keep the Pro Bowl in our state where it belongs.
The people of Hawai‘i and the NFL share a common goal: we want the Pro Bowl in Hawai‘i to be a big hit.
I recognize many HTA board members and staff have worked a long time to get to this point, and I appreciate their efforts to approve a deal.
I attended the first Pro Bowl in Hawai‘i, and I will do whatever I can to make sure I haven’t seen my last.

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