Maui police are investigating the recent vandalization of St. Anthony Catholic Church as a burglary, according to The Maui News.

The chapel was vandalized the night after Easter celebrations, according to a parish priest, and suffered various types of damage. The chapel in western Maui was accidentally left unlocked after Easter Sunday services and the damage was discovered Monday morning, the Rev. Roland Bunda said.

“Somebody came in and thrashed the whole place,” Bunda said. “Just tore the whole thing apart.”

The vandals broke a lamp and statue of an infant Jesus, dumped out a basin of holy water and replaced it with crystals. They drew a heart with names in lipstick on a wall, lit a single candle on the altar and left a small booklet of prayers open to a section on prayers for the addicted.

“It was like vandalism, but with like a purpose, to send a message,” Bunda said.

The chapel holds about 40 people and hosts a different prayer group every night of the week.

The church was also vandalized more than three weeks ago when there was a break-in at the rectory where priests and brothers live. It is not clear whether the incidents are related, Bunda said.

Bunda may outfit the chapel with security cameras. The church’s school, rectory and cafeteria already have an alarm system.

HAWAII ISLAND

State to buy land for library

Gov. David Ige has released $1.9 million in Capital Improvement Project funds to buy a 1.7-acre parcel for a new Waikoloa Public Library, according to a statement Wednesday from state Rep. David A. Tarnas, a Democrat who represents North Kona, North Kohala and South Kohala districts.

Once the state purchases the land, the Department of Land and Natural Resources will prepare an Environmental Assessment and the public will have the opportunity to submit comments.

“The Waikoloa community has been working on this project for many years,” Tarnas said. “This will be more than a library. It will be a gathering place for all members of the community to learn together and build strong bonds.”