Shelton

LAHAINA — On behalf of the Lahainaluna High School Foundation, it is a privilege and honor for me to thank our community for supporting the collective efforts of bringing a multipurpose stadium to Lahainaluna.

The first phases of the project are complete, and the results and feedback have been fantastic!

The oldest school west of the Rockies now has a Matrix Turf system with underground drainage; a four-lane rubberized track with sprint lanes, pole vault and long jump pits; a new scoreboard; flag poles; energy-efficient stadium lighting and other electrical requirements; fencing and landscaping; and drainage improvements.

Future phases will include seating for 3,000 spectators, press box, concession and restrooms, and an arrival building.

When we began to develop our preliminary plan, which included an eight-lane track, cost estimates started at $19.5 million.

We knew that would be unreachable, so revamped plans focused on utilization of the existing space and a four-lane track.

New cost estimates brought the project down to approximately $10 million, and I am pleased to report that through the efforts of our Athletic Committee chaired by Mark Tillman, our Executive Director Leslie Hiraga and Development Coordinator Jeff Rogers, we expect to deliver a completed stadium closer to $7.1 million.

We are $2.7 million from reaching our goal, but from where we started, the light is certainly at the end of the tunnel.

We are heartfully grateful for the enabling and sustaining support of Sue Cooley. Her extremely generous contributions allowed us to proceed with the project, and we have many other donors and supporters who also contributed to this goal.

Improvement to “The Imu” has been a combined effort by many people. Everyone associated with the project has exhibited a spirit of pride and determination to deliver a first-class product, and we, too, are proud to have helped to keep local businesses and people working during an economic time that has been tough for so many.

We thank all who have contributed to this effort and look forward to completion of the project through your continued support.

Let’s work together to bring “Friday Night Lights” to football games, soccer, track and field and other events to West Maui.

For more information and updates, please call us at (808) 661-5332 or visit our websites at www.lahainalunahighschoolfoundation or www.re-dotheimu.com.