Like the weather, the plans for the center are indefinite because, despite the ceremony's timing to coincide with Korean Centennial Week, the facility still needs a permit to begin operations.

The center, at the end of Rooke Avenue, is being run by a nonprofit group that acquired what once was called Canavarro Castle from the Korean National Association, an organization supporting the Korean-American community in Hawai'i.

The purchase, financed by Korean educator Woo-Joon Hong, took place a year ago, and since then its directors have been undergoing environmental review procedures needed for a conditional-use permit. That permit is required before the center begins what is proposed as a program of small-group tours to the exhibition on Korean independence displayed in the renovated, 85-year-old center, said environmental consultant Donald Clegg.

"This really has been incorrectly billed as the opening of the center," Clegg told The Advertiser while ceremonies proceeded on the terraced grounds. "They can't open; they don't have a permit. But I think we have a bit of a language problem."

Some neighbors have expressed worries about potential traffic problems and other issues stemming from the narrow streets and quiet character of the neighborhood. But little concern seemed evident today as cars lined up for what limited parking was available on Rooke Avenue. One woman came out and peered at the group of Korean sailors who sprinted up the hill before the ceremony began; later, a man emerged shirtless into his sunny yard and shrugged at the sight.

"It's OK!" was his only comment.

Dignitaries from the South Korean government ­ including Korean Assembly speaker Kwan-Yong Park and Hawai'i consul general Ji-Doo Lee ­ attended.

Lee reflected on the sacrifices of Hawai'i immigrants who contributed money toward the independence movement from their meager daily earnings of 69 cents, and congratulated Hong on his own financial contribution toward the center: $1.5 million.

Hong, who founded an academy in Korea, believes that "education can be another national movement of independence," said Sei-Hoon Yang, one of the center's board members.

The dedication, which also featured the unveiling of a monument honoring Korean patriots, is the latest event arising from yesterday's celebration of the 100th anniversary of Korean immigration to the United States. Last night a packed Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom dined in a banquet that paid tribute to 27 "Eminent Koreans of Hawai'i" and sounded a call to Korean-Americans to continue their striving for success.

The keynote address was given by a one-time street urchin from Seoul who was adopted by an American soldier and became a state senator in Washington.

Paull Shin kept his Korean surname but took that of his adoptive father, Ray Paull, as his first name. Last night, he faced guests at the Korean Centennial banquet with a compact disc that contained his genealogy, and offered to help other Korean Americans research theirs.

"If you have a dream, you can accomplish anything; but you cannot forget the past," said Shin, who left Korea at age 16.

Shin's address capped an evening of music, dance, costumes and food. A taped address by Republic of Korea President Kim Dae-jung conveyed thanks to the United States for supporting that nation through difficult economic times, and confidence that Korea is "poised to emerge as a first-class nation."