The congregation of Kawaiahao Church rejected a budget that would have doubled the cost of renovating buildings on the grounds of the historic church, Kahu Curt Kekuna said today.

Kekuna said the congregation was asked to amend the original budget of about $10 million to about $20 million, which he blamed partly on delays in building and inflation.

"They affirmed (the project)," he said, "but (said they) don't want to spend that much."

At least two-thirds of the congregation would have to agree to pass the new budget, but the vote fell short of that, Kekuna said.

"They're saying, we need to sharpen our pencils," he said.

Members discussed the problem of today's economy, declining cash flow (the church's booming wedding business has fallen to less than half its pre-construction level, he said), and assets during yesterday's vote.

When the renovations are completed, which he said he hopes will occur sometime in 2010, "we hope to have (the wedding business) back."

Initial plans called for building a two-story multipurpose center with a social hall, meeting rooms, offices and a kitchen. Two buildings, designed by architect C.W. Dickey, have been demolished to make way for the new building.