Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

Just a year after being displaced by wildfires that destroyed its classrooms in Lahaina, Sacred Hearts School (SHS) officially opened its new campus in Ka’anapali on August 2, 2024. During a special blessing ceremony, Principal Tonata Lolesio quoted 1 Corinthians 12:26, emphasizing the importance of unity in times of suffering and joy. She thanked the entire SHS community for their collective efforts over the past year.

“This blessing marked a new beginning for the parish school, which was founded by the Fathers and Sisters of the Sacred Hearts 150 years ago,” said Principal Lolesio. Reflecting on last year's emotional journey, she recalled how SHS had to pivot to a temporary school at Maria Lanakila’s Sacred Hearts Mission Church in Kapalua just weeks after the fires. “We had to do what we could to help the community; it was the right thing to do.”

With support from various sectors in Maui, Hawaii, and worldwide, SHS welcomed students into their temporary facility on August 28, 2023. Despite many families having lost loved ones and homes, they found solace in being together as an Ohana.

Principal Lolesio expressed gratitude towards the Ka’anapali community for welcoming their new campus. She recounted how staff reacted with cheers and tears upon hearing about the new location. The campus includes classrooms, offices, a counseling center, air conditioning, and a playground.

Msgr. Terry Watanabe and Michael Yee also extended their thanks for the extensive public and private donor support that made this development possible. For at least three to five years, this Ka’anapali campus will serve as an essential part of Lahaina's future during its redevelopment.

Following the blessing ceremony on August 2nd, SHS held a special Mass to commemorate one year since the August 8th wildfires. They offered a memorial wreath at the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue relocated from Maria Lanakila Parish in Lahaina—a tradition they plan to continue annually.

SHS continues its mission of providing Catholic education in Lahaina by establishing a tuition assistance fund aiming to raise $4 million; $1.6 million has already been secured through community generosity. The school seeks matching funds to provide essential tuition assistance for those in need.

To learn more or contribute, visit https://hawaiicatholiccommunityfoundation.org.