Kapiolani church relocated to Halawa

Answer: Members of the Honolulu Church of Light, which was previously at 1539 Kapiolani Blvd., found a new location in Halawa.

The church and other affected businesses along a part of the makai side of Kapiolani Boulevard had to relocate to make room for the development of the Nordstrom department store.

David Bower, executive director of the Honolulu Church of Light's Sitting Council, said they signed their new lease agreement during the holiday season for the Halawa site after visiting about two dozen locations.

"It was a great Christmas gift for us. It was perfect. We know this is the right space for us," Bower said.

Their new location is 99-870 Iwaena St. above Shirtco Hawaii, a T-shirt design and silk-screening company. Bower noted that there are a couple of churches nearby.

Bower declined to discuss the details of the lease agreement but said the new location is 5,000 square feet and the rent is "very reasonable." Some parking is available on the property, he said. Street parking is also available for members, he added.

Members are expected to move in today. They are currently in the process of renovating the interior. Bower said they plan to open the church by the end of February.

Since the Kapiolani Boulevard location shut down in October, church officials have continued to hold their services for their members through their Web cast at www.kirael.com. Bower said they will maintain Webcasting for their members abroad when the church opens.

Other affected businesses that include Kapiolani Bakery, Taiyo Noodles and Tip-n-Toe Nails have relocated to other sites.