HONOLULU – Public high schools across the state last week announced the dates, times and formats of their respective alternative graduation ceremonies.

Lahainaluna High School’s virtual ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 24. It will be streamed via select media outlets.

There are pending details for additional plans, but the event will feature the traditional lighting of the “L” on Mount Ball at 7:30 p.m.

The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) recently announced that traditional ceremonies at public and charter schools would be replaced with alternative celebrations for the Class of 2020 due to safety concerns and social distancing guidance.

“Determining the appropriate ways to honor our graduating Class of 2020 has been one of the top priorities for my leadership team over the past several weeks,” Deputy Superintendent Phyllis Unebasami said.

“While we are disappointed that traditional commencement ceremonies cannot be held due to COVID-19, the thoughtful innovation and care with which our schools and community partners have come together has been inspirational. Mahalo to all of the individuals and organizations who are continuing to work behind the scenes to make the 2020 graduation ceremonies truly special.”

Schools have started to share logistics details with parents and guardians.

The schedule for other Maui schools is: Maui High School, May 17; King Kekaulike, May 20; Baldwin High, May 21; and Hana High & Elementary, May 23. All of these ceremonies will feature virtual and drive-through diploma-cover pickup. Security will be in place.

The list will continue to be updated on the department’s website as more details become available. For more information, families are encouraged to contact their child’s school directly.