The Nation - News from Dec. 4, 1988

A decision by the Catholic Church to sell its St. Augustine Church property in the heart of Waikiki has provoked renewed controversy over the continuing buying spree in Hawaii by Japanese investors. Honolulu Bishop Joseph Ferrario announced that the 50,000-square-foot parcel was being sold to Hama Kikaku Co. of Tokyo for $45 million. Diocese offices were besieged with phone calls and clergy and parishioners voiced anger. Ferrario defended his decision. “I really think this use of real property is a real stewardship of our properties,” he said. “It’s a question of justice--the haves serving the have nots. . . . “ After a new church is built, $25 million will be left for a variety of educational and charitable causes, he said.