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New beginning for Kalahikiola Congregational Church

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Almost three and one-half years ago, photos of an old stone church in the north end of the Big Island, were broadcast around the world. As a result of the 6.9 earthquake that hit Hawaii on Oct. 15, 2006, this historic Hawaiian church became an international image of the devastation that took place on that very memorable day.

The blowing of conch shells during the rededication of Kalahikiola Congregational Church on February 27, 2010. Photo courtesy of Kalahikiola Congregational Church.

On Feb. 27, 2010, members of Kalahikiola Congregational Church in Kapaau, celebrated the rededication of their church building. Church members and congregation friends, gathered to celebrate the hard work and dedication that has created a rebuilt and renovated church building.

The event began with the blowing of the conch shell at the four corners of the church and a welcome from the great, great grand-neice of Kahu S.W. Kekuewa, the first Hawaiian Kahu of the church. Visitors presented their hookupu, and kahus from the four corners of the island pronounced their blessing.

And then the moment everyone had been waiting for … as the conch shell blew and Kahu George Baybrook untied a maile lei across the church entrance, the famous church bells rang and everyone was invited back into the church for the first time since Oct. 15, 2006.

The celebration included hula, worship, thank yous, a message from Kahu Baybrook, and of course plenty of food at the paina that followed.

For more information, contact the church at 889-6703 or visit www.kalahikiolacongregationalchurch.com/

Kalahikiola Fact Sheet

(Excerpts from an interview with Pat Ku, chair of the Rebuilding and Restoration Committee)

Q. When did the church officially begin rebuilding?

A. Although fundraising for the rebuilding project began immediately following the October 2006 earthquake, the actual construction began in December 2009 and was finished in February 2010. It was a total of 12,311 man hours were spent on-site.

Q. What was the final cost of the rebuilding project?

A. The final cost was approximately $1,412,000.

Q. How were the finances generated to complete this rebuilding?

A. The funds were received from both the UCC Insurance companies and private donations. Kahului Union Church in Maui donated the church pews as they were in the process of renovating their sanctuary.

Q. Where did those involved with the rebuilding come from?

A. The General Contractor, Kikiaola Construction is from Kauai, the Plasterer Specialist Sarel Ventor is from West Virginia, all other sub contractors are from the Big Island.

Q. Because the church is registered with National and State Historical Registeries, were you able to rebuild it exactly as it was built originally?

A. The Sanctuary could not be restored by today’s building codes using the original stones. The original stone walls were 3’ thick and 14” high. The archway was re-constructed in the same construction technique as used in the church walls. Sarel Venter used the same type of lime putty mortar, and the original stones in the restoration of the Archway. The 4 original cornerstones of the original building have been placed in the 4 corners of the sanctuary grounds.

Q. What happened to the original stones that had come from local river beds, from Pololu Valley to Kawaihae?

A. The original stones used in the church building now surround the church in a rock wall that was built. The wall is approximately 550 linear feet.

Q. Are there any remaining building projects for the church?

A. Both the church building and the Manse (parsonage) are completely repaired from the earthquake damage they received. However, there are still rocks left from the original structure and a decision needs to be made on what to do with these remaining rocks.

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