Baum and several other civic-minded residents want to use the facilities when they're not booked. The Convention Center Authority is opposed to that.

The House Tourism Committee advanced a measure yesterday calling for a study on allowing local organizations -- neighborhood boards, fraternal groups and the like -- access to meeting space in the convention center.

That's not enough, said Baum, who liked the original version of the bill that would have established rules for community use.

"I'm disappointed," he said. "That's a whole different bill, really. But doing a study is better than nothing. ... When they spend $300 million, I think they could put aside a small space for community groups."

Various community groups echoed Baum's opinion.

"The invasion of this structure to the most heavily populated area of the island is not looked upon very kindly by those of us that are being inconvenienced by it," said Ala Wai Boulevard resident Sam Bren.

"Placating organizations by allowing use of the center will go a long way. As chairman of the Waikiki Neighborhood Board, I would delight in holding our meetings in such surroundings."

But the Convention Center Authority contends the facility should be used solely to attract offshore business and the attendant tax revenues, estimated at $180 million annually.

Authority Chairman Alton Kuioka said the center wasn't designed to accommodate large local events and their heavier parking demands. "A policy to change the original intent of the convention center or a mandate to allow confirmed community use of the facility should be very carefully assessed, as the cost of operations could be severely impacted," he said. "If the center is opened to the community for use, then the Legislature must also clarify the use of the center for local community events."

The House committee shot down a bill to develop a plan to privatize the convention center, but the panel still is scheduled to hear resolutions on the matter.

Budget Director Earl Anzai has estimated the center will lose nearly $245 million during its first six years of operation.

As a result of that projected operating deficit, state subsidies will be needed unless some sort of privatization plan is implemented.

If a company bought the center, it could lease it back to the state to cover the purchase price.