Man Charged for Criminal Property Damage in Vandalism of Historic Church

Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged a Pāhoa man for criminal property damage and theft following a vandalism incident at the historic Star of the Sea Painted Church in Kalapana on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026.

Just after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Puna patrol officers responded to the Star of The Sea Painted Church for the report of a vandalism. 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. A witness identified 58-year-old Edward Wilson as the individual observed entering the church and subsequently leaving with the cross.

As officers conducted area checks, they located the shattered cross along a nearby roadway and arrested Wilson a short distance from the church.

After conferring with the Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Wilson was charged with the following offenses:

• Fourth-degree criminal property damage
• Fourth-degree theft

Wilson’s total bail was set at $200, and he made his initial court appearance on Thursday, Oct. 22.

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.