"We will be awarded funds to develop this phase of the proposal, which will include a program-needs assessment, space planning, design, detailed budgets, and financial sustainability of the center," said Maj. David Hudson, commander of the Salvation Army's Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division.

Since announcing its plans in December to apply for grants to build a center in Hawai'i, the Salvation Army here has put together a game plan that appears to be on schedule. If all goes well with the feasibility phase of the project, construction could begin in late 2007, with a planned 2009 opening.

Hawai'i is seeking $35 million to build its Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center at the new North/South Road and Kapolei Parkway extension. In addition to seeking $35 million to build the site, the Hawai'i application seeks an operating endowment of $35 million.

The money is to come from a $1.6 billion bequest from the late Joan Kroc, widow of McDonald's Corp. founder Ray Kroc, to the Salvation Army for construction of 50 or more community centers nationwide. The gift was divided equally among the Salvation Army's four territories in the United States.

In March, Hawaiian Home Lands chairman Micah Kane announced that his department had offered The Salvation Army in Hawai'i a 65-year lease at $10 per year for the 10-acre site in Kapolei. The Kroc Center's parcel will be adjacent to a $12 million Hawaiian Home Lands building, which is expected to be built on nine or 10 acres by 2007, Kane said.

The Kroc Center and the Hawaiian Home Lands building will be near the University of Hawai'i's West O'ahu campus.

The Hawai'i Business Roundtable, made up of CEOs from 50 of Hawai'i's largest companies, is a major supporter of the project.

The support is key since only 75 percent of the estimated $3 million annual operating cost of the facility can be generated from revenue from the $35 million endowment. The remainder would be paid for by annual fees and fundraising.

Components of the East Kapolei Kroc Center include:

• A social service center with food pantry, rent and utility assistance, life skills training, and referral/case management programs.

• A creative learning center with computer labs, tutoring, charter school facilities and virtual library.

• Outdoor and indoor recreation facilities with gymnasium, fitness center, multipurpose area and aquatic center.

• A family enhancement center and performing arts center for theater, dance and music.