A state judge has ordered Kawaiaha‘o Church to refrain from any more construction on a multipurpose building until it receives a state certification that the project site formerly used as a cemetery is clear of graves.

Circuit Court Judge Edwin Nacino issued the ruling today.

Nacino heard arguments on Tuesday in a lawsuit filed last month by Paulette Kaleikini that alleged the church was violating a state permit that requires removal of all human burials on the construction site next to the historic Honolulu church’s main building.

The ruling requires the church to complete a process to decertify the project site as a cemetery before proceeding with construction work. Decertification includes clearing all human remains from the site and holding public hearing. The process is governed by the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, which regulates cemeteries.

The church said it intended to remove all burials on the site, but believed it could decertify the project site as a cemetery after building construction was completed.