The advisors of David Malo Day wanted to send this message to the community.

LAHAINA — The advisors of David Malo Day at Lahainaluna High School recently made the tough decision to cancel the event for this school year.

Featuring a pa’ina (supper) and Sunset Pageant with performances by the Hawaiiana Club and Boarders’ Chorus, David Malo Day honors the historic school and community, Hawaiian culture and Malo (1795-1853), a counselor to Chief Kuakini, Hawaiian intellectual, educator, state representative, minister and member of the first class at Lahainaluna.

Co-advisors Lori Gomez-Karinen, Ilima Greig-Hong and Pomai Krueger recently announced: “It is with heavy heart and kuleana that we announce that we are unable to hold and share with you Lahainaluna’s Hawaiiana Club and Boarders’ Chorus’ iconic David Malo Day Ho’olaule’a this year scheduled for April, 2022. Out of an abundance of caution and care, we made the difficult decision to cancel what would have been our 52nd David Malo Day, yet again.

“Our theme would have been ‘Holu,’ resilience. We have been resilient as COVID-19 pandemic policies closed down many of our practices and preparation time. We are still being resilient as we move forward and plan for what is best for the program.

“We extend our deepest mahalo a nui loa and ask that we all ‘Malama pono.’ “

The advisors thanked event supporters, family, friends, the Lahainaluna Ohana and former students of Lahainaluna High School for their support.

Gomez-Karinen explained that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, practice sessions for both the Boarders’ Chorus and Hawaiiana Club have been cancelled many times — often at random.

“We, therefore, thought it wise to (yet again) cancel our iconic event,” she concluded.