Reference to Merrie Monarch Festival to be added to stadium sign

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

The Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium will tout its largest event on its signage after the County Council passed a resolution Wednesday.

Using $970, the Department of Parks and Recreation will expand the signage at the stadium to include the phrase, “Home of the Merrie Monarch Festival.”

Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy, who introduced the resolution transferring those funds, said the expansion of the signage will promote the annual festival, which has been held at the stadium since 1978, except in 2020 when the festival was cancelled due to COVID-19.

The addition also comes after the stadium’s namesake, Edith Kanaka‘ole was featured on a U.S. Mint quarter earlier this year.

The name of the building itself will not be changed.