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Sophia Investigation Lingers

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

While the Feb. 10 fire that gutted St. Sophia’s Church has propelled plans to build the new Saint Damien Church, the fire’s cause still remains under investigation.

Now that the Maui County Fire Department has wrapped up its preliminary investigations, the case has been turned over to the Kaunakakai Police Department.

The pending investigation is open to the possibility of either arson or accidental cause.
 
"Often time investigations are left open until new developments or leads arise by talking to people or any kind of physical evidence is found," said police Sgt. Eugene Santiago. "Electrical [cause] has been excluded."

Mahina Martin, Maui County communications director, said the demolition permit application for St. Sophia's has been received by Maui County, processed by the Planning Department and currently under review by the Department of Public Works.

Name That Church
Throughout time, the St. Damien Catholic Parish – and its four churches – has weathered change, especially with its name.

Prior to St. Damien being canonized in October 2009, the parish was known as Blessed Damien Catholic Parish. Once the priest was declared a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome on Oct. 11, the parish changed its name to St. Damien Catholic Parish in honor of the canonization.

Its four topside churches – collectively known as the Molokai Catholic Community – all retained their names except for St. Sophia’s, which will soon be known as Saint Damien Church.

Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, Kalua'aha

Church Awaits Verdict

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

As St. Sophia’s Church continues to be investigated for the Feb. 10 fire that gutted its interior, the cause still remains “undetermined,” though electrical has been ruled out, according to Darrin Almeida, Maui Fire Department lead investigator.

As parish priest Clyde Guerreiro continues to hold church services at the Molokai Community Health Center, he says their goal to spend Christmas Mass 2011 in the new Saint Damien Church (slotted to be built once St. Sophia’s is demolished and building permits are processed) has now become reality.

“We’re set to finish ahead of schedule,” Guerreiro said. “Possibly three months ahead, or even more.”

Guerreiro said they’re currently awaiting demolition permits from Maui County as well as bids from license contractors to begin the process of taking down St. Sophia’s.

Currently, the adjacent building known as the Damien Center (previously Stanley’s Coffee Shop) is being used as the church’s office.

Guerreiro said all three buildings (the church and both adjacent buildings used for administration and religious education) will be demolished to make room for the new Saint Damien Church, and eventually accompanied by a book shop and Saint Damien museum.

Although the core of the church was charred and masked in soot and ashes, the tabernacle – a safe-like box at the front of the church – was still intact and would be incorporated with the new church.

Guerreiro said the church is receiving great amounts of support with expediting the rebuilding process, especially from the mayor’s office of Maui County and Diocese of Honolulu.