(BIVN) – A Pāhoa man has been arrested and charged for criminal property damage and theft following a vandalism incident at the historic Painted Church in Kalapana.
Just after noon on Wednesday, Puna patrol officers responded to a report of vandalism at the Star of the Sea Painted Church in Kalapana. “Upon arrival, officers learned that several religious statues inside the church had been knocked over and broken, and a crystal cross had been taken without permission,” police wrote in a news release.
A witness identified 58-year-old Edward Wilson as the individual observed entering the church and subsequently leaving with the cross. Police located the shattered cross along a nearby roadway and arrested Wilson a short distance from the church.
Wilson was charged with fourth-degree criminal property damage, and fourth-degree theft. His bail was set at $200, and he made his initial court appearance on Thursday, October 22.
The iconic and colorful Star of the Sea Painted Church is a known landmark in lower Puna. It was famously moved to its current location in 1990 in order to avoid an advancing lava flow.
Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to please call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or contact Puna Patrol Officer Cassius Aiwohi-Kegler at (808) 935-3311 or email cassius.aiwohi-kegler@hawaiipolice.gov.
