Tiki statue removed from Hawaiian school

HONOLULU — A 10-foot tiki statue carved by high school students in Honolulu was removed April 14 from the front of the school after a pastor objected, saying the carving was a religious symbol.

Students at the Leeward Oahu school of Waianae High School carved a tiki of the Hawaiian character Kanaloa on an old utility pole and set it in front of the school in February.

Master wood carver Pat Pine, who oversaw the project, said the carving is Hawaiian art and a tribute to Kanaloa — a navigator who helped Hawaiians find their way to the islands.