WAIKIKI — The destruction of a historic shrine over the weekend will not keep St. Augustine Church on 'Ohua Avenue from maintaining its open-door policy, but security will be stepped up.

On Sunday afternoon, a shrine estimated to be about 100 years old was destroyed by a 41-year-old woman, police said. The woman, who has no local address, was arrested Sunday on suspicion of criminal property damage.

Last week, the same woman dismantled the church's public address system and rearranged candles at the altar, said the Rev. Lane Akiona.

But it's the shrine that concerns Akiona the most.

It held a piece of artwork depicting Our Lady of Perpetual Help. According to police, the woman broke the glass that protected the artwork, then destroyed it by hand.

The shrine had been part of the original church, which has been around for more than a century.

"That's the sad part," Akiona said. "It's the history."

This isn't the first time the church, which is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the year, has been vandalized.

In May 2001, a plaster statue depicting the church's namesake, St. Augustine, that stood in front of the church was smashed to pieces.

The statue, estimated to be at least 100 years old, was valued at about $5,000. (The statue has since been replaced by a bronze version, which is surrounded by a metal fence.)

Akiona didn't know how much the artwork in the shrine was worth, but said its historical value was immeasurable.

"It's been a long-standing tradition in this parish," Akiona said. "Many people had a strong devotion to it."

This latest incident has prompted the church to consider hiring security to deter any other vandalism or destruction to church property.

But it won't alter its hours or its accessibility.

"Normally, churches make decisions after incidents like this to protect what's there," Akiona said. "But our policy is to keep the church doors open. Even though this has happened, we want to keep providing the services to those who will benefit from them."

Police said the destruction of the shrine was an isolated incident. "We are not aware of any series (of crimes) involving churches or religious facilities," said Michelle Yu, spokeswoman for the Honolulu Police Department.

Churches, including St. Augustine, have had to make adjustments to ensure the safety of parishioners and property, Akiona said.

At the Waikiki church, for example, statues of saints are kept in a separate area that's not very accessible, and candles have been replaced by covered lights that flicker. Even wooden boxes holding monetary offerings, usually $1 per prayer, have to be emptied every day.

"We're not afraid and we'll keep operating the way we are, but we'll put in certain safety measures," Akiona said. "Like everything else in life, you just take it and move on."

Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.