KAPAA, Kauai >> Kapaa residents are trying to repair a historic Japanese stone lantern damaged by strong wind.

The lantern was built in 1915 by first-generation Japanese immigrants in honor of their roots and Japanese Emperor Taisho’s coronation in 1912.

It stood in Kapaa until 1943, when it was toppled and buried to show American loyalty during World War II.

The lantern remained buried until 1972, but no organization would take responsibility for it, so it was reburied 24 hours later.

It was unearthed again in 1987, when Mayor Tony Kunimura, the Kauai Historical Society and others worked with the community to re-erect the structure, securing it with braces and a large concrete base.

The lantern underwent a restoration effort in 2008 when students from the Leadership Kauai program and the Kauai Business Association repaired the landmark.

Kapaa residents are looking to replace the glass orb that fell off the lantern and shattered in February, The Garden Island reported Wednesday. The glass ball sat on top of the structure and measured 15 to 20 inches in diameter.