A state judge allowed a lawsuit to continue Tuesday against two churches accused of fraud by underpaying to use public school facilities.

In response to a motion to dismiss the case by the defendants, One Love Ministries and Calvary Chapel Central Oahu, First Circuit Judge Virginia Crandall dismissed a portion of the lawsuit that related to a signed agreement on rental terms made by One Love Ministries and the vice principal of Kaimuki High School in 2009. 

She allowed the rest of the case to continue.

Erik Stanley, attorney for the churches, said Crandall dismissed a “substantial part of the complaint.”

“We’re pleased with the judge’s ruling that dismissed most of the case,” he said. What remains of the lawsuit are “pieces” alleging special events that didn’t have the proper applications filled out, he said.

“That’s something that we’ll have to flesh out,” he said.

James Bickerton, attorney for plaintiffs Mitch Kahle and Holly Huber, said Crandall ruled in his clients’ favor.

“Most of the claims survives,” Bickerton said after court.

Bickerton said the plaintiffs can start issuing subpoenas to interview people for the case next week.

Bickerton said the two churches cost public schools about $1 million in unpaid rent.