Kawaiahao Church plans to tear down two buildings on the property and construct a new multipurpose building.

The church held a ceremony to honor the elders who built the old administrative building and Likeke Hall 60 to 70 years ago.

The ceremony was also designed to open a new chapter in the church's history by building a multipurpose center providing much needed space.

The old buildings represent about 15,000 square feet. The new building will have 30,000 square feet, plus an additional 10,000 square feet of attic space.

"We don't have enough room for even our own Sunday school. So, this building is going to provide that," The Reverend Curt Kekuna said.

Preparations for demolition begin Monday. Crews plan to raze the old buildings in about three weeks later.

Construction on the new multipurpose center will begin in mid-January.

"It will take about 18 to 20 months to complete the job. So, it will be about the first quarter of 2009," project manager Don Caindec said.

The multipurpose center will include more classroom space and a modern kitchen.