Atheist Group Demands Christian Church Be Evicted From Public Building In Hawaii
- Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:12pm by
Billy Hallowell
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Image Credit: HawaiiNewsNow.com
The Solid Rock Fellowship Assembly of God is a church that is stationed inside of a low-income housing complex in Kalihi, Hawaii. Run by Pastor Taavao Alualu, the house of worship has been in operation since 1996. Despite its 16-year history, the Hawaii Citizens for the Separation of State and Church (HCSSC), a group that values church-state separatism, is seeking to have the church evicted.
In addition to urging the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to evict the church and prevent it from using the public space, the group wants the state to collect back-rent that the house of worship didn’t pay during some of its time using the building.
“It’s basically a separation of church and state issue,” explains David Tveraas, director of HCSSC. “The issue is this is a state building and the state is not allowed to be funding any private churches.”
David Tveraas (Image Credit: HawaiiNewsNow.com)
On the surface, the notion that the church used space free of charge may raise questions. But Pastor Alualu explains that when he opened the church, it was in an old building that was so run down that nobody wanted to use it. In exchange for permission to utilize the building, now called Towers at Kuhio, the faith leader claims he and his congregants agreed to renovated it.
“The place was all rubbish. In front of the building was all graffiti, parties, drug dealing, and gangsters,” he said. “We prayed for it and I asked the management office if we can use it. They said the place is too old. It is not safe.”
In the end, permission was apparently granted. Pastor Alualu claims that he spent $37,000 to reinvigorate the building, which has since been used for prayer meetings, outreach projects to youths, a food bank and more. But, despite these investments, HCSSC believes that the church must be booted from the property and that taxpayers are unfairly footing the bill for the church’s use of the land. Alualu, of course, disagrees and believes that his church’s contributions to the local community more than justify its presence.
Pastor Taavao Alualu (Image Credit: HawaiiNewsNow.com)
“They knew that I spent a lot of money here, so that’s my rent. And I’m willing, if they want me, whoever wants me, to pay more rent,” he said. “Even though it’s not fair — I will.”
The Hawaii Public Housing Authority is investigating the dilemma, with Executive Director Hakim Ouansafi claiming that he was only recently made aware of the atheist group’s request.
“This entity (the church) has spent over $40,000 in renovation and maintenance and they do bring a lot of service to the community,” Ouansafi said. “Having said that, it is something we were not aware of and are in the process of getting to the bottom of it to make sure that no laws are broken.”
(H/T: Hawaii News Now)
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Comments (120)
PoliticallyRightUs.Com
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:07pmAt What Point Do People Stand Up And Fight Back Against These Godless Animals?!?!?!
Report Post »lovenfl3
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:14pmI think the time is coming, and real soon. I remember a day when people complained about “bible thumpers,” on a daily basis. Now just look at what is going on, these atheists are anti “bible thumpers.” So you tell me, which one is more destructive?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MfgeFnOZbI
CatB
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:32pmWhere is all this TOLERANCE the left is always talking about? They are the most INTOLERANT people I have ever seen ,,, ( gays, athiests, democrats .etc )…anyone they don’t agree with they want shut up or thrown out. TAKE A STAND AND SAY NO TO “POLITICAL CORRECTNESS” AND INTIMIDATION.
Report Post »Jadedhaven
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:03pmWhile I don’t have a problem with a Christian church/organization making good use of and paying (some) rent on derelict public property, I wonder how this story would have been spun if it had been Muslims using public property for community outreach, good works and religious evangelizing?
I also wonder how the commenting community would respond…
Report Post »Jadedhaven
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:23pmSo, it’s fine for Christians or Jews to use/rent public property but not those of other faiths?
Serious question, no snark intended.
Report Post »spirited
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:26pm@ COPATRIOTS: Very excellent response.
Christian churches have helped people and communities in numerous ways throughtout the majority of its history.
> Athiests need to get a life.
Report Post »spirited
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:36pmIf atheists want to hold their harmless-to-others gatherings to celebrate or discuss their belief of evolution –or what ever– , provide thoughtful, beneficial, productive…, safe-haven, activities, education for personal growth…., and it does not compromise, impair, disturb, impose, prohibit…. others in the same community
>why not?
Report Post »Mateytwo Barreett
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:53pm@Jadedhaven
Report Post »I would think, although I have no direct way of substantiating, your question (not snarky) would LIKEY be answered in the following manner. Hawaii has probab;y the most diverse religious composition in the United States. The term Judeo- Christian beriefs refers not to the “religion” of the founders- nor the citizens of today, but the “values”. This means that the constitution and the laws of this country were and are to be in agreement with “natural law” that of nature- the wild, if you will. Nature does not call for ethnic cleansing, for instance. The laws of the United States are in agreement, as is public sentiment. Therefore, as long as a religions basic thesis does not violate natural of Judeo- Christian law, said religion should be accepted. I know of no restrictions on Catholics, Protestants, Mormons, Buddhists, Jews, Orthodox etc.. With one glaring exception. The muslim faith, has as one of its core beliefs “jiohad”, the forceful indoctrination of infidels (non believers) to Islam. If the subject cannot be presuaded, threatened of otherwise convinced to follow Mohammed, they are to be exterminated.
There is no logical manner in which Islam and Islamic law (/Sharia) can be reconciled with Christian based laws. Please understand that I am not a religious person, but merely someone that has spent a little time rationalizing with the condition we as Americans find ourselves
SoupSandwich
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:58pmDoes piss off work for you? So you stop wondering and all.
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 11:09pmHi Copatriots,
Spot on reply.
Hope all is well with you.
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 11:41pm@ Spirited and @ Billy Thanks to you both!
@ Billy Wishing the same to you!
Now then, any ideas why was my post removed?
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 11:53pmWe must have some new “censors”. My former, now deleted, statement answered JADED’s quesion as the J-C principles this country was founded……..which was NOT the extremist religion horrifically showcased on 9-1-1.
In any event, JADED, I personally don’t mind having any other “faith” using public buildings as MATEY pointed out the “values” inherent in other faiths…….bar one. The issue with the one in particular, who apparently can’t be named, is they have extremists who actually want to kill anyone who doesn’t believe as they do.
Report Post »70S_KIDS_FIGHTING_SOCIALISM
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:02pmTroll your more like Perez Hilton an angry gay self hating loathsome person. You should be banned forever from this forum. This is totally inappropriate. Leave and go back to the huff post with the rest of the reprobate segregated HATE GROUPS!!!!!!
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:00pmPeople don’t understand the Bible, they really don’t. Jesus came by water and blood, period. It was 14 generations from David to the Captivity into Babylon, and from there 14 generations to Jesus. Elijah gives Baptisms with water. Satan caused David to number Israel which lead to their captivity, which lead to them cheating God, and so Elijah brought water, and then men brought violence which brought the system crashing down in blood, which lead to Jesus.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:05pmSo when people say God is getting ready to wash the world with your blood, you should believe it, even though you are the ones doing it.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:10pmTherefore just as all Americans were numbered, that is the same as David numbering Israel. So, I guess you’ll all be bring a lot of carnage to the world.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:13pmOf course the last generations went really quickly because of the massive amount of people in the world.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 2:32amI do often quickly skim your posts, Tim, which is why I got a bit of a surprise. I was obviously skimming a bit too fast.
On re-reading, I noticed the comma between “blood” and “period”.
Report Post »ThePostman
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:59pmChristians need the equivalent of LULAC. Or the ACLU. Or Obama. Or Eric Holder. Or Jesse. Or Al. Or the other (white) Al.
Speaking of which, I wonder why the ACLU never comes to the aid of Christians? We are being persecuted left and right, yet they never seem to give us a care in the world.
Maybe they aren’t so interested in civil liberties as much as trespassing on the rights of the jebus lubbers.
Separation of church and state does not mean that the state cannot perform functions that are for the community’s greater good, even if those function involve religion. Separation of church and state assures that the state will never persecute a religion or favor one over the other.
I am a man of God. Do these atheistic zealots think I should be exempt from any interaction with the government just because I drill for oil? If so, I want my money back from the IRS, because everything I do, I do for God.
Report Post »CrazyDanMan
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:10pmCheck out the ACLJ. They could use your support.
Report Post »CptStubbing
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 12:06amthe Alliance Defense Fund is a good one as well.
http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/
Report Post »sick6james
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:49pmThe Communists want to destroy religion. True atheists have no problems with religion unless it is forced upon us (ex – being preached at while having dinner in a restaurant). I have no problem with a church or any other religious function using a public building for religious purposes. Hell, I still go to church with friends just to hang out with some decent people, not to worship God, but to support them with their beliefs and help out with the community, not ridicule and attack them because I disagree.
What you are seeing is Communists and Socialists in atheists clothes. Their religion is that man is God. I have no religion. My love for everyone in my life is the closest to a religion as I have gotten.
Report Post »spirited
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:46pmWell said.
Report Post »AWEF321
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 2:07am“Don’t let anyone try to change you beliefs” Does this apply to racist, and Nazis too?
“Don’t force your views on anyone else either.” You could have not have chosen a better place to post this comment. (Not sarcasm)
“The nut jobs in this article want to remove the church from the area.” Why are these people nut jobs? Because they are trying to up hold the laws of the United States?
“How much do you want to bet that they are Communist/Socialist sympathizers and not true atheists?”
Report Post »“What you are seeing is Communists and Socialists in atheists clothes.” This is the main reason why i decided to reply to you. The only way these people are not true atheist is if they believed in god. The fact that they are protesting a church say nothing about whether they are atheist or not. Simply because someone is an atheist, that does not tell if they are socialist, communist, capitalist, etc. It sounds to me that when you say they are not true atheist you are saying that they aren’t people who will still back and let religious people step over the Establishment Clause.
dealer@678
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:47pmStand up Christians. Dont fall over anymore like frightened sheep when attacked. Punch em in the mouth and knock some teeth out while your at it. It’ll stop
Report Post »sick6james
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:55pmDon’t let anyone try to change you beliefs, whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist, Buddhist, etc. Don’t force your views on anyone else either. If you don’t like religion, avoid those areas. If you simply don’t believe, move on with your day.
The nut jobs in this article want to remove the church from the area. How much do you want to bet that they are Communist/Socialist sympathizers and not true atheists?
EqualJustice
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 10:40amI think there are PRO CHRISTIAN rallies ALL over the country next week. Check it out. http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/locations/
Report Post »Plan B
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:46pmHows that hope and change working for your?
Report Post »dawg71
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:46pmSo they have no desire to help the community but rather take away a powerful resource the community really needs. All in the name of seperation of church and state. These people are just spiteful and bitter.
Report Post »70S_KIDS_FIGHTING_SOCIALISM
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:46pmAtheist – One of the most intolerant totalitarian HATE groups rivaling the Taliban.
Report Post »TEA PARTY UNTOUCHABLES!!!!!!!!
Elena2010
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:41pmPastor — give Alliance Defense Fund a call. Hang in there!
Report Post »abbygirl1994
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:41pmWill someone please edit this writers writings!! Read this: “the faith leader claims he and his congregants agreed to renovated it”
Report Post »spirited
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:40pm;^> Thanks for the edit
Report Post »TheObamanation
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:41pmAtheists are the busy-bodies of America … they will not sleep until they have removed all religion from the country based on Christianity … why not just move somewhere else if they don’t like it here ?
Report Post »abbygirl1994
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:39pmHey Hawaii, how about evicting the Athiest off your Island! What is it with these losers… we don’t tell you where you can go.. or what you can do.. so get your unGodly arses doing something more important than picking on people who wish to worship wherever they can! We have to hit back on these people.. isn’t there somewhere where they meet to come up with this stuff. Fight back! Fight for Jesus.. God in Heaven help us!
Report Post »MargeB
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 2:24pmEvict the atheists?
So you don’t believe in freedom of religion then huh?
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:37pmobama’s atheists/domestic-terrorists certainly have been busy lately.
If we are to survive as a nation, obama must be removed from power.
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:42pmGlenn Beck appreciates your (monetary) support. As well as your brain (such as it is) in a jar on His mantel.
Report Post »drago
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:20pm@broker0101 aka encinom.
Report Post »You really need to lay off the crack, idiot…..
Exrepublisheep
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:46pmBushs’ fault.
Report Post »SoupSandwich
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 11:02pmBroer-
Report Post »What mula? No dinero aqui. PETA will find you and they use human hooks.
broker0101
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:33pmIf only I had a nickel for every time some idiotic “group” made some idiotic “demand”. Oh, wait, I do. And then some.
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 11:06pmAre you giving back your “fair share” of those coins?
Report Post »canadianlady
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:31pmChristians of all denominations must unite to defeat this war on Christianity. Don’t give these athiest groups an inch. If you do, they’ll keep coming back wanting more.
Report Post »spirited
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 11:01pmLike Glenn Beck said, “We are all Catholics”
Report Post »Carsh
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:27pmIf David Tveraas and the HCSSC want to reimburse the church for the renovations AND take over all the community support functions, OK. If not, sit down and shut up!
Report Post »Captain Crunch
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:27pmThis atheists is an evil person, manipulated by the devil, …..you can see it in his eyes and face. He believes in God. And all he knows how to do is show his hatred for anything Holy.
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:24pmObama’s America is just dandy.
This non-stop atheist push is going to backfire. 16 years in that location serving the community and some obnoxious pinhead is seeking to stop it. Un-flippin’-real!
Report Post »Dianne SZ
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:24pmWhen are these atheists going to read the constitution?
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:22pmSo, why isn’t this considered racist? One group attacking another group based only on their beliefs. Isn’t that racist? What if the this group decided to ban blacks, gays, women, etc, instead of Christians?
Report Post »spirited
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:36pmbigoted
Report Post »girlnurse
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:21pmThe “fact” is nobody wanted the building! Us tax payers would probably be paying more money if it was sitting empty…Duh!
Report Post »Athiests really need to get a life and start attacking someone who is hell bent on destroying this country….oh..that would be them…sigh.
Carefreeflyer
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:19pmThese people sound very much like Communists.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:14pmWell, Van Jones is QUITE busy over there on the BIG ISLAND, isn’t he?
Report Post »