"We've been working with the 'Idol' folks, and with local police and security, and we're hoping for a couple of thousand — at least," said Eugene Tokuhama, stadium events manager, of the anticipated barrage of singers who want to be the next American Idol.

A hundred — or more — may be coming from the Mainland, said Tokuhama, citing phone queries to the stadium. "We've been getting calls — not quite 50 so far — from out-of-town people asking basic questions like, 'Where's the nearest hotel?'"

So it's highly possible that the Hawai'i search could include a nonresident semifinalist or two. If past auditions are an indicator, diehard folks shuttle from one city's auditions to the next if they don't make the first cut, according to a Fox TV source. With Hawai'i, there are challenging logistics, since a plane ride, a place to stay, and wheels — there's a bus strike on, remember? — add to the cost and tension.

And there are no guarantees — for visiting wannabes as well as residents — of an audition.

The stadium, said Tokuhama, will try to make the long lines and frustrating wait as bearable as possible. Parking gates will open at 7 a.m. both days. And parking will be free to contestants.

Concessions will serve coffee, soft drinks, snacks — for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

And restrooms will be available, too.

"We're still working on specific details, but for now, we're allowing backpacks and other bags," said Tokuhama. As long as contestants are in queues outside the stadium, there will be no bag searches; the usual searches apply to those who make the grade to perform before producers inside the stadium on Tuesday.

The auditions will be at the south end zone area, said Tokuhama.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067, or fax 525-8055.

Be in 'Idol' line on time and look the part

What's in store?

What's the drill?

Here are some facts, from officials with the Fox TV reality series and the idolonfox.com Web site:

Q. If I'm in line, will I be able to audition?

A. It depends on how many people show up; thousands usually do. With limited time, producers may walk the line and randomly pick out people regardless of their place in line; selection is based on performing ability, look, style, personality and other factors.

Q. Can I audition again, if I tried before?

A. Only if you didn't make it to the top 30 contestants in season one or top 32 contestants in season two. (In other words, Hawai'i's Jordan Segundo, who made it to the top 32, would be ineligible).

Q. What if I'm late for the auditions?

A: You're out of luck; lineups start at 9 a.m. Monday; you need to be in line by 8 a.m. Tuesday. The early bird may not get the worm, but at least a spot in the queue.

Q. Can I make an audition appointment?

A: No. You need to do the line dance — and hope for the best.

Q. What should I bring to the auditions?

A. You need an application/release form (download from the Web site, though forms will be available on site); also bring two IDs to show proof of age as well as a photo ID. A birth certificate,

driver's license, school ID card are acceptable.

Q. What are the age restrictions?

A. Contestants need to be age 16 through 24 (as of last Aug. 3); if you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign a release form and must be present at the audition site.

Q. Can friends or family members accompany me to the auditions?

A. Yes, but only two others are allowed; and only one other person may accompany the contestant into the stadium on Tuesday.

Q. If I now sing with a group, am I eligible to compete?

A. Depends. If you're under contract (management or otherwise) with a group or even a modeling agency, you're not eligible; if you're a self-sustaining independent entertainer, you may be eligible.