Wailuku, Hawaii ? After 10 years, two denials, a federal lawsuit and a contested case hearing, a small rural congregation won a permit to build a chapel on its property.

The Maui county planning commission first denied Hale O Kaula a special use permit to build on its property, which is zoned for agricultural use, in 1995. Last week the commission unanimously approved the permit, following a nine-hour meeting.

Conditions for the permit include limiting service hours, and attendance at weekly meetings and four special annual events. In turn, the church dropped a federal lawsuit against the county and will receive an undisclosed payment from the county, covered by insurance.

Several neighbors opposed the chapel, saying it would generate too much traffic in the area.