Lahainaluna High School has announced that it will begin a much-needed renovation project for its stadium next month. However, the timing of the project has raised concerns for many parents and student-athletes, as it coincides with the middle of the track and field season and requires the relocation of the graduation ceremony.
Despite the appreciation for the upcoming upgrades, the decision to conduct the construction work during such a critical period of the academic year has sparked dissatisfaction among many stakeholders.
The project has been estimated to cost $2 million and will entail a comprehensive overhaul of the current track and football field located within the Sue Cooley Stadium. The outdated surfaces will be replaced with new synthetic materials and turf to ensure a safer and more comfortable experience for the school’s athletes and spectators.
According to the spokesperson for the state Department of Education, Derek Inoshita, the construction work will begin in early April, and the stadium will remain closed during the renovation process. Unfortunately, there is no specific completion date provided, but the project is anticipated to last through May, causing a conflict with both the track and field season and the graduation ceremony.
Despite the potential inconvenience, school officials are determined to complete the project within the designated timeframe to avoid disrupting any further academic or athletic events. Fortunately, the stadium will be ready in time for the preseason football games, providing some relief to the concerned students and parents.
Carol Liburd, a resident of Lahaina and parent to a senior on the track team, voiced her frustration regarding the timing of the stadium renovation project. She expressed her disappointment, stating “It’s all frustrating. I just think it’s really bad timing. Why are they just now coming to this decision right as they are about to graduate? It’s just really frustrating.” Her sentiments were shared by many parents and students who were hoping for a more convenient schedule for the project, such as during the summer break when students are out of school and not participating in sports.
In late February, a parent meeting was held that included the senior class of Lahainaluna High School. During the meeting, Principal Carosso announced the upcoming renovation project. However, some parents claimed that their questions were left unanswered, causing tension among the crowd of about 100 people.
Following the meeting, Principal Carosso posted a letter on the school’s website, stating that due to the renovation project’s timing, the graduation ceremony would be held at Boarders’ Field on May 21. Although some parents expressed disappointment that the students were not consulted about this decision, Carosso expressed her excitement about returning to the traditional venue and celebrating the amazing group of students. However, the limited seating available will be a challenge, and staff will provide more information when available.
The class of 2023 was looking forward to holding their grand commencement ceremony at Sue Cooley Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 3,000. After past senior classes lost multiple full-scale graduation ceremonies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the students were hoping for a memorable and traditional graduation ceremony at their beloved stadium. However, due to the timing of the renovation project, they will have to make do with the limited seating available at Boarders’ Field.
On March 6, Carol Liburd, a Lahaina resident and mother of a senior on the track team, expressed her disappointment with the limited seating at Boarders’ Field, the venue for the upcoming graduation ceremony due to the stadium renovation project. Liburd’s son’s immediate family from Florida had planned to attend the ceremony, but the limited seating would not allow them to do so. This issue also affects other local families who have large numbers, which is putting a damper on the occasion.
Liburd has already attended a commencement ceremony at Boarders’ Field for her older son and described it as cramped and tiny, which is concerning given the expected attendance this year. Additionally, there are concerns about the closure of the track and field facility during the track season, as the Lunas have not secured a backup facility for specific event training. This issue is particularly concerning given the ongoing renovations at the War Memorial Stadium.
Lunas athletic director Jonathan Conrad acknowledged the concerns of students and parents about the renovation’s impact on the stadium resurface. He reassured the community that they are working with the state to address these concerns and are hopeful to mitigate the effects on the student-athletes. Nonetheless, the situation is still causing inconvenience and frustration for students, parents, and members of the community.