Grace Chapel wins approval for 'Aina Haina facility

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Writer

'AINA HAINA — Grace Chapel of Honolulu's request for a conditional use permit has been approved by the city Department of Planning and Permitting, clearing the way for construction of a 1,200-square-foot meeting facility on the grounds of the former Maunalua Bay Tennis Club.

The church, which will move its congregation from Young Street, said it has outgrown its old spot and needs more room for activities.

The church's recent purchase of the 2.1-acre site stirred controversy in the largely residential community over wedding businesses, noise and traffic. There are three commercial wedding chapels in the area, as well as other nonresidential facilities, including Holy Nativity Episcopal Church and school, the 'Aina Haina Public Library, Trans Pacific University and a strip mall.

Despite approval of the meeting facility, the city barred the church from commercial wedding services. Other conditions include:

• Pool hours are restricted to specific times.
• Exterior lights must be shielded to prevent glare on surrounding residential properties.
• A 6-foot-high wall must be built along the kokohead side of the property and a perimeter wall must be built before any meeting activities begin.

The city said the church can operate the meeting facility from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with quiet hours between 9:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.

The chapel, a nondemoninational, independently incorporated Christian church associated with the Living Word Fellowship, purchased the property for about $5 million several months ago.

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com or 395-8831.