Eddie Hayashi, a veteran Aloha Stadium manager who oversaw some of the biggest events in Hawai'i for the past 12 years, yesterday announced his retirement, effective Oct. 1.

"I can't tell you how lucky and blessed I am to have worked with the staff here," Hayashi said. "Whatever the event was — the Pro Bowl, University of Hawai'i football, high school graduations, concerts, elementary school excursions — each event was a success."

No successor has been named yet, according to Aloha Stadium spokesman Patrick Leonard.

Hayashi, 63, was appointed stadium manager in 1993 by Gov. John Waihee, and has held the position longer than any of his predecessors. Prior to that, Gov. George Ariyoshi appointed Hayashi to the Aloha Stadium Authority Board of Directors in 1988.

Under Hayashi's guidance, Aloha Stadium — the state's largest outdoor arena — hosted premier entertainment events, such as The Eagles' "Hell Freezes Over" world tour in 1995, Michael Jackson's "HIStory" tour in 1997, and The Rolling Stones' "Bridges to Babylon Tour" in 1998.

He also presided over numerous amateur and professional athletic events, including the National Football League's annual Pro Bowl, considered the crown jewel of Hawai'i's sports.

"Eddie had a real bonding with every athlete, every athletic organization that came into this facility," said Bob Fishman, the stadium's manager from 1993-94. "He was cut of the cloth of Hawai'i. People who came to use the facility largely identified with Eddie."

Hayashi said he will be an adviser with the Hawai'i High School Athletic Association and work with HHSAA executive director Keith Amemiya primarily on baseball-related projects.

Hayashi will continue as vice president of Oahu's American Japanese Association (AJA) baseball league and general manager of the McCully team.

In addition, Hayashi said he will work with local filmmaker Edgy Lee on a documentary about the history of AJA baseball from 1908 to the present.

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.