WAILUKU, Maui — The county will celebrate the centennial of the old Wailuku Courthouse with two free public events this week.

A program with refreshments and music by Kahala Greig will begin at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday at the courthouse, at 150 S. High St. At 11 a.m. Thursday, complimentary birthday cake, juice and entertainment will be served up as part of the monthly "Picnic with Poki" show under the monkeypod trees on the grounds of Ka'ahumanu Church, across the street from the courthouse.

Other centennial honors include a County Council resolution, an entry into the Congressional Record by Hawai'i Sen. Daniel Akaka, a letter from Gov. Linda Lingle, and congratulatory resolutions prepared by Maui's state lawmakers.

The Territorial Legislature appropriated $25,000 for the Wailuku Courthouse, which was built in 1907 by contractor Angus McDonald. Court staff were housed on the upper floor, and tax department and water works offices were on the lower level.

Through the years, the building was occupied by a number of judges, including George Fukuoka, Kase Higa and Arthur Ueoka. In 1991, the state-owned courthouse was transferred to the county in exchange for land surrounding the Maui Community Correctional Center. As part of the deal, the county also received property that became the firing range at Ukumehame.

A $1.8 million restoration and renovation project was completed in 1993, adding modern conveniences such as central air conditioning and an elevator, without destroying the historic character of the structure. Upgrades were made to the phone, electrical and computer systems, and accessibility features were incorporated for people with disabilities.

The old courthouse is now home to the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney.