11 Mar Sacred Hearts ‘ohana begins work on new temporary school site and launches “Compassionate Hearts $4 million Tuition Assistance Campaign”
After more than half a year of being emergency relocated to Kapalua at the Sacred Hearts Mission Church, a secondary temporary site at Ka`anapali has been selected for the school until their Lahaina site can be rebuilt.
The devastating August 8 wildfire destroyed the historic school next to Maria Lanakila Church in downtown Lahaina. While the church itself survived the blaze virtually untouched, two-thirds of the Pre-K to 12th grade school campus was gutted and left in ashes.
Eighty-four students and 12 staff members lost their homes in the Lahaina wildfire. After the fire, the school’s 225 students, teachers and staff emergency relocated to Sacred Hearts Mission Church at Kapalua. A secondary temporary location has been found in Ka`anapali, to provide in-classroom education.
The new temporary Ka`anapali school property will accommodate 11 air-conditioned classrooms in 3 existing buildings, outdoor eating areas, air conditioned restroom trailers, grass play areas, half-court basketball court and spaces for administration and faculty, counseling and maintenance, all within the school’s fence line. The property has a designated drop/off pickup area along with ample parking.
The Ka`anapali estimated project cost is $1.5 million with anticipated opening at the commencement of the 2024 fall semester.
In support of the financial hardship incurred by the students and their families, the Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation has launched the “Compassion Hearts $4 million Tuition Assistance Campaign” now through Thanksgiving 2024. Donated funds will contribute directly to tuition for those in need commencing the 2024-2025 year to ensure uninterrupted education while families rebuild their lives over the next 2 years.
“Our school has shaped the lives of generations of students, and we are committed to honor the unbroken spirit of our school community,” said Tonata Lolesio, Principal. “The Compassionate Hearts campaign captures the resilience, faith, and commitment to rebuilding a stronger, more vibrant Sacred Hearts School. Now, more than ever, we must ensure our legacy continues”, says Lolesio. Many students are still struggling to process the tragedy of the fire, and funding will allow them to stay in a familiar school setting with a nurturing environment for them to thrive.
Early donors can see their contributions double with a dollar-for-dollar matching donation, up to $1.5 million by Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.
The Sacred Hearts community invites individuals, businesses and organizations to join hands in helping the Sacred Hearts School `ohana in their time of need.
Donors can make a difference by visiting hawaiicatholiccommunityfoundation.org to contribute and learn more about the ongoing efforts. Gifts can be one time only, or a recurring major credit card donation. We also welcome gifts of stock and appreciated securities; IRA charitable rollovers; corporate and foundation gifts; direct bank account wire transfers; and check payments to the Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation at 1184 Bishop St., Honolulu 96813.
The Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. (EIN: 36-4641613)
For further information or to make a donation, visit https://hawaiicatholiccommunityfoundation.org/shs-tuition-assistance-1, or contact Terra Jones HCCF Account Administrator tejones@rcchawaii.org.