Aloha Stadium authorities reported minimal alcohol-related infractions in yesterday's sold-out football game between the University of Hawai'i and Southern California.

It was Hawai'i's first game since Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and University of Hawai'i interim President David McClain endorsed a plan to prohibit alcohol sales at Aloha Stadium for the UH football season. Aiona also wants to prohibit liquor in the stadium's parking lot, but McClain does not.

The Aloha Stadium Authority last month agreed to study a proposal for a total alcohol ban, and officials said it could take weeks until a final decision is reached. Aiona declined comment yesterday, and McClain "reserved comment" until the stadium authority makes its decision. The stadium authority's next meeting is Sept. 29.

Stadium authorities yesterday ousted two men from the stadium for alcohol-related infractions, said Herbert Naone, Aloha Stadium's chief of security. There were no arrests, he said.

"I would classify this as a plus for the UH fans," said Naone, who credited good sportsmanship among spectators for the positive results. "I would give credit to the fans' behavior for this game. There were isolated incidents, but no real problems. We didn't have any problems in the student section."

Alcohol-related misbehavior at Aloha Stadium is the driving force for the proposal that would put Hawai'i in line with a national trend toward "dry" stadiums. In June, USC agreed to end alcohol sales at its home football games, joining the rest of the Pacific-10 Conference teams. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conference also have banned alcohol sales in their stadiums.

Southern California President Steven Sample said response to the school's ban on alcohol sales inside the Trojans' home field, the Coliseum, was "overwhelmingly positive" and probably ran 50 to 1 in favor of the ban.

"People are just tired of drunks; they're tired of the foul language, they're tired of fights, threats and intimidation," Sample said after the game. "You want to bring your children, you want to bring your mother-in-law. I felt we were losing some of the magic of the Trojan family, which is such an important concept at USC. So we're going to try it without the booze."

Most of the spectators interviewed yesterday said they opposed a total alcohol ban at Aloha Stadium, and called the proposal too extreme, and unfair punishment based on a rowdy few. Some spectators said they would consider a partial ban, but would not approve prohibiting drinking in the parking lot.

"Tailgating is peaceful; I've never seen a problem in the parking lot," said James Houghtailing, an aircraft fueler from 'Aiea. "I'm not really in favor of a ban. I say, if you're acting up, and you're unruly ... give them one warning and then you're banned for the season. If you have a strict policy, then I would think that would deter a lot of people."

Aloha Stadium security warns unruly spectators, and if they continue to misbehave, they are escorted out of the stadium by security, Naone said. A written report is made of the incident and the offender must surrender his game ticket, Naone said. The offender can still attend the next game, and "we rarely have repeat offenders," Naone said.

If a spectator commits a criminal act, such as assaulting another person or recklessly endangering the public, the offender is arrested, Naone said.

Michelle Alves, a St. Francis teacher from Manoa, said she would be fine with an alcohol ban inside the stadium, "but not in the parking lot."

"I feel tailgating is a tradition," she said.

"Tailgating is what Hawai'i is known for," said Kevin Kamealoha, who is from Nanakuli and works in security. "It's about having a good time, chilling, cruising with your family and friends."

If an alcohol ban in the parking lot were enacted, "everybody is going to stay home and throw bigger parties at home and cheer at home," Kamealoha added. "I think it's better when you have support at the stadium."

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.