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

“All the credit for this decision should go to the HTA and NFL.
“This is great news for the people of Hawai‘i.
“I commend the HTA for having the wisdom to reconsider their previous decision and return the Pro Bowl to Hawai‘i where it belongs.
“Let us now move forward and work closely with the NFL to make the Pro Bowl’s homecoming the best possible.
“I am excited to continue working with Commissioner Goodell on what I believe could be an enhanced all-star weekend of festivities.”
A copy of the Lt. Governor’s testimony to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Board is attached.

Star-Bulletin: HTA approves Pro Bowl's return in 2011 and 2012