HONOLULU -- The Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Diamond Head moved a big step closer to reality on Thursday.

The University of Hawaii Foundation announced the Conrad Hilton Foundation gave a $5 million grant to UH.

The former Cannon Club at Diamond Head is reserved to house the culinary institute.

"We will be able to provide Hawaii's students the opportunity to join Alan (Wong) and the other chefs at the elite of culinary arts," UH Vice President of Community Colleges John Morton said.

"It's going to help our local kids, our local people, our local culture, the state of Hawaii, tourism, you know, and we need more cooks. Food brings people together," Wong said.

Total cost of the project is estimated at $32 million.

UH wants to have the institute ready for students by the 2011 school year.