Most quake damage is minor for churches on Hawaii's Big Island

Published: 2006-10-17

HONOLULU (CNS) -- The biggest earthquake to shake Hawaii in more than two decades caused minor damage to Catholic churches across the state and major damage to at least one mission church on Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island. A 6.7 magnitude earthquake centered in the ocean off the west side of the Big Island hit at 7:07 a.m. Oct. 15, as many parishes were just beginning 7 a.m. Mass. A second, 5.8 magnitude quake followed seven minutes later with aftershocks continuing the rest of the day. Electrical power was out through most of the state for much of the day. The last earthquake of a similar magnitude to hit Hawaii was in November 1983. It also measured 6.7. Major beams cracked, a side wall collapsed in the choir area and bathrooms were damaged in the church building of St. Joseph Mission in Paauilo on the Big Island's north coast. A nearby hall also shifted three inches during the quake.

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