Here’s yet another bill that fell victim to the conference committee mania last Friday: legislation to create a Sports and Entertainment Authority and give it some funding for staff.

“The clock ran out on the sports authority bill,” said Sen. Glenn Wakai, the lead conferee for his chamber on House Bill 1847. “How fitting that the retailer declared bankruptcy at the same time.”

Supporters of HB 1847, including Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui and House Rep. Scott Nishimoto, argued that the Hawaii Tourism Authority is not doing enough to attract sports and entertainment to the islands, that the state could serve as a meeting place between Asia and the U.S., and that the competitions could appeal pro athletes as well as to youth.

Opponents, especially Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, warned that a new agency would overlap with HTA’s efforts and that its operations would require a major financial commitment.

There was also some debate about what to with authority over Aloha Stadium.

Another measure, this one that would establish a Hawaii Sports Task Force within the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, failed to advance this session.