Churches in Hawai'i (Kapaa: fence, property, island)

[Spammasubi]

Okay, I've been asking locals this one, and all I get is a heck of lot of head scratching: Why does it appear that almost all churches, shrines, etc. in Hawai'i have a wall or fence surrounding them? Some walls are low and small, and some are tall and large. I have never been able to find a credible answer. I have an idea, however I am not sure if my theory will be appreciated.

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by Spammasubi

Okay, I've been asking locals this one, and all I get is a heck of lot of head scratching: Why does it appear that almost all churches, shrines, etc. in Hawai'i have a wall or fence surrounding them? Some walls are low and small, and some are tall and large. I have never been able to find a credible answer. I have an idea, however I am not sure if my theory will be appreciated.

No different than every house. Everyone here does a rock wall. Its a local custom.

[Spammasubi]

mdand3boys Wrote:
"Everyone here does a rock wall. Its a local custom."

That IS the point. Are you not curious about local customs? I am talking specifically about churches. They are historically significant within the islands. BTW, not everyone has a rock wall or other type of wall around their property, however almost all churches do...on every island. Go look.

[carmel123]

so....tell us what you are thinking.????...

[mdand3boys]

Have you not noticed the sometimes MILES of rock walls lining various roadways - rock walls that were built HUNDREDS of years ago?

[JohnPaul]

I was amused when on the island of Kauai the the local jail near Kapaa didnt have a fence or wall..I asked a local and he laughed at me, he said "Its an Island man, where you gonna go"

[Spammasubi]

Carmel123 Wrote:
"so....tell us what you are thinking.????..."

Honestly, Carmel. I was truly hoping there is historical precedent for the walls. I have done a very cursory look at the U of H archives and found nothing (I know, I know...I have far too much time on my hands..), however there has to be a reason which supports the claim of "custom" claimed by
mdand3boys. All customs have an origin. Walls around churches are not prevelant on the mainland, perhaps except in the northeast. Is this a legacy of the migration of Christian missionaries to Hawai'i in the 1800's that perhaps continues today?

[Spammasubi]

mdand3boys Wrote:
"Have you not noticed the sometimes MILES of rock walls lining various roadways - rock walls that were built HUNDREDS of years ago?"

Yes, of course, but that is not germane to what initally posted.

[Honolulu21]

Originally Posted by Spammasubi

Okay, I've been asking locals this one, and all I get is a heck of lot of head scratching: Why does it appear that almost all churches, shrines, etc. in Hawai'i have a wall or fence surrounding them? Some walls are low and small, and some are tall and large. I have never been able to find a credible answer. I have an idea, however I am not sure if my theory will be appreciated.

It could be a custom carried over from the "old days". Ancient Hawaiian temples like Luakini had stone walls surrounding them. Chiefs and other persons of importance had low stone walls topped with a wooden fence surrounding their kauhale.

Many customs in present day Hawaii are a blending of the old and the new. Perhaps this is just another example.

[carmel123]

Spammasubi.

I would love to know your theory for the walls. My husband and I were married on Rarotonga. There is a jail there with a small rock wall around it (approx. two feet high)and no one left the grounds. We asked about it and the locals said, sure the prisoners could leave the property but it is a small island and where would they go?

Not sure how this relates to churches.... You have me curious, since you say you have an idea. I am not looking to prove you wrong, I am just wondering what your theory is.