MO'ILI'ILI — Since 1952, the humble clubhouse for the 100th Infantry Battalion on Kamoku Street has served as a second home to veterans.

It's where, for five decades, they've met for weekly poker games and karaoke, to share lunch or just talk story.

Now the vets plan to renovate their beloved clubhouse into a resource center, thanks to an unexpected outpouring of monetary donations two years ago and recent contributions from the state and city.

The goal is to share their storied history and pass on the values they learned generations ago.

"When we was young, we knew to respect our elders and respect each other," said Robert Arakaki, 83, a veteran from Palolo and president of the 100th Battalion Veterans Club. "We grew up in a community where we supported each other. ... That's what we want to pass on."

Last year the state allocated $1.5 million to build an education and resource center in the existing facility and to fund repairs to the three-story apartment building on the property the club owns and operates. (Income from the rentals supports the facility and helps fund scholarships.)

The club also is slated to get a $135,000 grant from the city to help with repairs to the apartment building.

And $100,000 more raised in October 2005 from community and business donors will go toward construction of the center, which the club hopes will be completed by the end of the year.

"The goal is to perpetuate the legacy of the 100th and remember the adversities and conditions they overcame," said Mimi Nakano, board member of the Sons and Daughters of the 100th Infantry Battalion whose father, Shizuya Hayashi, is a Medal of Honor recipient. "As the next generation, that's our responsibility."

About 500 of the original 1,400 100th Infantry Battalion members are still alive, all in their 80s and 90s. Most of them still live in Hawai'i.

Along with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Battalion is the most decorated unit in U.S. military history.

Leighton "Goro" Sumida, 86, helped build the clubhouse 55 years ago. He remembers when it hosted weekly get-togethers and meetings for the orchid, dancing and karaoke clubs.

"We used to get plenny parties over here," said Sumida, a father of three and grandfather of seven from Halawa Heights. "We even got a sauna."

Over the years, the clubhouse, built from $2 monthly donations from soldiers beginning 60 years ago, has served as more than just a gathering place for the veterans.

Currently it hosts family support group meetings — open to the public — on such topics as bereavement, kupuna care and Alzheimer's disease.

'Iolani School uses the space for wrestling and judo practices. Ala Wai Elementary School has meetings and pa'ina there, too.

And soon it will be a place to learn more about these veterans' history, courage and valor.

"We want to continue our legacy," Arakaki said. "That's what this (project) is all about."

Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.