The Lahainaluna High School Class of 2020 will make history next year, as graduating seniors will be the first group to advance K-12 through Lahaina’s Hawaiian Language Immersion Program.

Starting as early as preschool at Punana Leo o Lahaina at Waiola Church, students are taught in a Hawaiian language only setting.

This remarkable program perpetuates the Hawaiian language, fosters a new generation of students fluent in the language and educates the keiki in Hawaiian culture and values.

Its mission is: “E ho’oulu i ke kaia’olelo Hawai’i no ko Hawai’i nei i mau aku ‘o Hawai’i he ‘aina Aloha” – to drive and inspire change to ensure a living Hawaiian language in Hawaii and beyond.

Last year, Fleetwood’s on Front St. held a Lahaina Strong Benefit Concert to support the many people impacted by the terrifying brush fire on Aug. 24.

The 2019 event on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 8 p.m. will support the immersion program.

All proceeds will be donated to Punana Leo o Lahaina

to help purchase necessary tools for keiki in the classroom.

The benefit will feature live music by I-Drive, Soul Easy and other local Maui musicians, raffle tickets for great prizes and drink specials. Admission is $10 at the door. For information, call 669-MICK or visit fleetwoodsonfrontst.com.

Through Punana Leo o Lahaina, “E Ola Ka ‘Olelo Hawai’i” (the Hawaiian language shall live). Attend and support this outstanding Lahaina program.