Currently, the school serves 160 keiki, and organizers would like to expand their offerings to as many as 200 students. But in order to do that, said Miller, the school must find funding from the community.
Haili Christian School will celebrate 33 years of providing hundreds of area students with affordable Christian education by hosting its first ho’olaulea — designed to be an annual event — at the downtown Hilo school at historic Haili Congregational Church.
On Saturday, Feb. 4, the school ohana will present its inaugural Haili Ho’olaulea, a fun event for all ages. Ululani Street in front of the school will be closed to traffic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the festivities.
“It is credit to God’s faithfulness,” said event chairman Kimo Miller. “God providing for us over the years to open these doors to students who could not ordinarily afford a private Christian education.” Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the school.
Founded by the late David A.K. Kaapu, the school opened in August 1978 with 13 preschool students. Today, the school can service up to 240 keiki ranging in age from preschool through eighth grade.
There will be lots of great entertainment. Performers will include Haili’s own Mission Kids, Dru Kekaualua, Pahoa High School’s Na Pua Maeole, The Longakit Family, Russell Mauga, Set Apart with Rupert Tripp and the New Hope Dance Ministry.
Plenty of ono grinds will be available, including a New York steak fry plate seasoned with “Ancient Hawaiian Seasonings,” a Hawaiian plate, steak loco moco, Koala Moa chicken from Oahu, malasadas, chili, hot dogs, teri burgers, fresh roasted corn on the cob, shaved ice and cotton candy.
The Kids’ Zone will feature a choo-choo train, the Monster Truck Jumper, the Combo Jumper Maze and a rock wall climber. Kids 12 and under will receive 10 free tickets for a variety of games. There will also be plenty of entertainment and shopping for the adults, including a craft fair, bake sale, plant sale and silent auction, which will feature sports memorabilia such as a Troy Polamalu autographed jersey.
Plenty of free parking will be available. Haili Christian School is at 190 Ululani St., mauka of the old McDonald’s restaurant. For more information, call 961-5026.
Bring the family, have a great day, and help area keiki afford a great education opportunity, said Miller.
The school, a ministry of the church next door, is a private school that has worked for more than three decades to open its doors to students who could not ordinarily afford a private education.
Currently, the school serves 160 keiki, and organizers would like to expand their offerings to as many as 200 students. But in order to do that, said Miller, the school must find funding from the community.