A Los Angeles-based tech multimillionaire with Pasifika heritage is reportedly fronting a bold bid to relocate Moana Pasifika to Hawaiʻi, a plan that would plant the Super Rugby franchise on Oʻahu and base home games at the former Aloha Stadium site. The proposal surfaced after the team's owners moved to appoint liquidators and players closed out the season with an emotional late May victory. For Honolulu, the pitch could deliver regular top-level rugby and a fresh professional sports tenant, but it would also come with a steep bill for travel and infrastructure.
According to 1News, citing RNZ, the consortium is headed by a Los Angeles-based tech multimillionaire who attended Stanford and has Pasifika roots, and Hawaiʻi’s 22-hour time difference makes late-evening local kickoffs palatable for viewers in New Zealand and Australia. The outlet reports that the group is conducting a financial feasibility study and is weighing plans for a new stadium on the former Aloha Stadium footprint as a potential home ground. The Hawaiʻi proposal is described as one of several rescue options now being explored by stakeholders.
Moana Pasifika's holding company voted to appoint liquidators this month after owners said the club was no longer financially viable, sparking immediate interest from rescue bidders, as reported by NZ Herald. Coverage in outlets such as The Guardian has highlighted the collapse's threat to Pacific pathways into elite rugby and the wider fear that talent could be siphoned off to rival codes or overseas clubs.
Even with fresh capital, the Hawaiian plan faces major logistical and commercial hurdles. Sources told 1News that securing an airline partner to move players, staff and equipment on a regular basis would be essential, and that backers must prove a durable commercial model. The consortium is reportedly using its feasibility study to test whether the numbers stack up for regular Super Rugby travel to and from Hawaiʻi.
Stadium Redevelopment Makes Honolulu Plausible, but It’s a Heavy Lift
State and developer documents indicate a new stadium is planned on the former Aloha Stadium footprint in Hālawa, which would give any prospective franchise a ready-made home if and when it is completed. A reconnaissance survey and updates from the stadium authority outline the site and redevelopment plans. The project carries a high price tag and has required permits and demolition, so timelines and political will remain crucial variables for any potential Moana Pasifika relocation, according to the stadium redevelopment documents.
Who’s Involved and What Happens Next
New Zealand officials have been asked to explore options, and the government has instructed them to work with New Zealand Rugby and other stakeholders as they assess rescue proposals. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has hinted at “good news” while the ministry weighs possible Pacific-aid channels, according to PACNEWS reporting. New Zealand Rugby has said it remains open to engaging with any parties that can present a financially sustainable plan, and the coming weeks will likely show whether the Hawaiʻi bid, or rival offers such as the Kanaloa proposal, can be turned into a deal that preserves the team's Pacific identity.
