Members of the Kalahikiola Congregational Church in Kapa'au, Hawai'i, have decided to rebuild the historic structure. Just how they'll do that has yet to be determined.

"Obviously we can't restore it exactly," said the Rev. George Baybrook, the church's pastor. "(According to) county code, we've got to use something besides rock and mortar."

Church members voted unanimously Sunday to rebuild the church, damaged in last month's earthquakes. Photos of its crumbled rock wall were seen all over the world and are among the iconic images of the quakes.

Baybrook earlier said preliminary repair estimates ranged from $800,000 to $3 million.

The church has received about $16,000 in donations from groups, its denomination and individuals, he said, including three large grants of $5,000 each.

The first step will be to stabilize the building, which a contractor was expected to begin today. It should be about a week before work in that area is complete, Baybrook said.

"Part of it is still standing — the roof and bell tower," he said. "We have a new roof, which is still standing but not by much."

The church is listed on national and state historical registries. It was built in the 1850s and dedicated on Oct. 11, 1855. Missionary Elias Bond in his writings compared it to "the crown jewel" of O'ahu, Kawaiaha'o Church.

For more information or to make a donation, contact the church at P.O. Box 159, Kapa'au, HI 96755, or www.kalahikiolacongregationalchurch.com, or (808) 889-6703.