"A number of people are supportive of it because it will enhance home security. We've had a number of thefts, break-ins and car thefts," said Clark Hatch, East Diamond Head Community Association president. "It might deter the would-be thieves from roaming around the neighborhood."

But residents also are concerned about an increase in traffic along heavily traveled 22nd Avenue, Hatch said. The two-lane road is used by residents and commuters seeking a short cut to Waikiki.

The city awarded the construction contract to 57 Builders for an estimated $1.5 million, according to the city's construction bid Web site.

The city must obtain a special management area permit in addition to other building permits, according to the environmental assessment prepared for the station. The assessment outlines the city's plans and indicates how it conforms to zoning, building and construction codes.

A public hearing will be scheduled after the city submits its permit application this week, said Tim Steinberger, director of the city Department of Design and Construction.

The state land was offered to the city through a special agreement. The city estimates the station will save about $5,000 a month in lease rent for space at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, and will free up space at the main station downtown.

The new station will have a lineup room, a report-writing room, offices and meeting rooms, holding areas for detainees, fitness facilities, showers, lockers and storage facilities.

East Honolulu, which runs from Punahou to Makapu'u, is the only police district without a station. The site at the corner of Diamond Head Road and 22nd Avenue was selected last January following years of debate over where the station should be built. The site became available when the National Guard contingent there moved to Kalaeloa.

The first plan was to build a police station in 'Aina Haina behind 'Aina Haina Elementary School on West Hind Drive, but that site was deemed inadequate and too expensive.

Then a selection committee made up of the area city councilman, community members and police chose the makai end of the Park and Ride facility on Keahole Street. But that plan failed when the construction bid came in higher than the $5 million the city had budgeted.

Last year the city and the state worked out an agreement on the former National Guard site.