Popular entertainer Wilmont Kahaialii at his first appearance to help Holy Innocents Church launch its fundraising campaign. He returns to entertain the public on Friday, March 10.

LAHAINA — Free live music, pupus and special tours, all open to the public, are planned by Holy Innocents Episcopal Church on its front yard on Front Street as its Capital Campaign marks the halfway point.

Singer, guitar artist and storyteller Wilmont Kahaialii will headline the campaign’s second Pau Hana event on Friday, March 10, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The event is designed to draw attention to the historical significance of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church to early Christianity in Hawaii and its fundraising campaign of preservation.

Though donations are not expected at the event, there will be a donation table available.

One-hundred-and-sixty years ago, Hawaii’s King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, with the support of England’s Queen Victoria, sponsored the start of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, establishing the Anglican church in Lahaina and throughout the Kingdom of Hawaii.

The first Holy Innocents services were held in temporary quarters where King Kamehameha III Elementary School stands today.

The current church building and campus were dedicated in 1927. The event is part of the campaign to raise $350,000 to restore critical areas of the property, including replacing the church roof, refurbishing the wooden framed windows, doors and other wood surfaces, replacing the 40-year-old sewer lines and driveway, and other projects.

According to Campaign Chair Jacob Marsh, sufficient funds have been raised to date to replace the church’s roof that was severely damaged in a storm during the COVID-19 pandemic, and fund a few other projects, but more funds are still needed.

“Thanks to the generosity of many parishioners, others in the community and visitors, we are on our way to preserving this historic place,” he said.

“As we pause to enjoy accomplishments so far with this Pau Hana celebration, we seek to build on our momentum to care for this special place. We hope many from the community will drop by to see the church, enjoy the music and refreshments, and wish us well.”

Holy Innocents’ Vicar, the Reverend Bruce DeGooyer, added his invitation to the public.

“Come and join us for Wilmont’s wonderful music and this free event for our parishioners, the Lahaina public and visitors to our island. It’s a beautiful parish, welcoming to all,” he said.

The free event takes place at 561 Front St., Lahaina, on the historic church’s front lawn. Entertainment and a pupu buffet will get underway at 4:30 p.m.