By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

HILO, Hawaii: In Hilo, a landmark sports complex is getting a bit of a makeover, intended to discourage drinking by spectators watching from outside the event.

The Hawaii County Mayor’s Office says screens are being installed in the inner fence of the Wong Stadium.

The 7 feet high black mesh screens will extend 500 feet around the perimeter of the field in an effort to deter residents from parking alongside the outer fence. This is an effort to encourage sports fans to maintain alcohol-free environments.

Officials say quote: “While alcohol is not allowed in the stadium, there are some spectators who do consume alcohol along the outer fence line. The installation of the black mesh will make it difficult for spectators to see from outside and we hope it will encourage the public to come into the stadium and support the student athletic programs.”

The fencing effort is part of County of Hawai’i Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to reduce adolescent access to alcohol by changing community policies and practices and to raise awareness of prevention and it’s benefits.