Venerable Haili Church aging
By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Bureau
HILO, Hawai'i — At 147 years old, Haili Church in Hilo is showing its age.
Hugh Clark • The Honolulu Advertiser
The southeast foundation is crumbling, termites and dry rot have taken their toll, and the imposing, yellow bell tower can no longer hold the bell that once pealed for major events but now rests silently on the ground.
Floyd Hoopii, executive director of the Haili Church restoration committee, joined the church at age 8.
But Big Island architect Boone Morrison, who specializes in historic restoration, says the landmark Congregational church can be saved with a lot of work and $1 million. Morrison is advising church members on the project.
The present church building was built in the 1850s by New England missionaries. Its simplified Greek Revival design features double-door entrances originally meant to separate men from women. The distinctive five-story belfry was so prominent that sea captains used it to guide their ships into Hilo Bay.
Church members said they wouldn't think of tearing down the old sanctuary and building a modern one, even if it would cost less to do so.
"We don't want a new church. We want to repair our church," said Floyd Kamau Hoopii, 80, who joined Haili Church as a boy of 8.
Hoopii, a retired state tax official, is executive director of the restoration committee. Its president is Renee Von Elsner, a Hilo insurance executive.
"We want permanency," said Von Elsner, who described Haili Church as the largest, oldest wood church in the Islands.
The campaign to repair the church began this month with pledges from members and friends. Efforts to secure national historic status are under way so that foundations can be approached for grants.
The first phase of restoration will begin next month with critically needed foundation repairs. Finances will govern the balance of the work.
The wooden sanctuary itself is fairly sound, Morrison said, but the rocks that form the foundation were held together with mortar made from sand and lime. The mixture crumbled into dust when he picked up chunks for analysis.
In its heyday, the church had more than 7,000 members. When it was located at what is now Wailoa State Park, as many as 3,000 Hawaiians at a time, from as far away as Puna and Ka'u, came to worship under a massive thatched roof.
Early leaders of Haili Church include the Rev. David Belden Lyman, who served from 1832-84, and the Rev. Titus Coan, who worked with Lyman from 1836-82. Lyman's house, also on Haili Street, has been preserved and is now a museum.
The Rev. Stephen Desha Sr. served from 1889 to 1934, sandwiching a political career as a county supervisor and territorial senator.
Over the years, Haili Church has been served by 24 kahu, or pastors, including the Rev. Abraham Akaka, who became well-known as leader of the more famous KawaiaHa'o Church in Honolulu.
For more information on the restoration or to contribute, contact the restoration committee by e-mail at: hailhaili@hotmail.com; write to 211 Haili St., Hilo 96720; or call (808) 935-4847.
Contact Hugh Clark at hclark@honoluluadvertiser.com or phone (808) 935-3916.
