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Lahainaluna High School will host Paradise High School of California in the "Unity Bowl," a football game bringing together two communities recovering from devastating wildfires.
The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 5 at Sue D. Cooley Stadium on the Lahainaluna campus. It will be held under the theme "Two Towns, One Spirit."
Paradise was devastated by the Camp Fire in November 2018. The fire killed 85 people, destroyed much of the Northern California town and became the deadliest wildfire in state history.
Nearly five years later, the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire swept through Lahaina, killing 102 people and destroying thousands of homes and businesses. It was the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.
Both communities have faced yearslong recovery efforts while rebuilding homes, schools, businesses and community institutions.
The Unity Bowl grew from a shared vision among Paradise High School Athletic Director Jerry Cleek, longtime Punahou athletic director and coach Doug Bennett and Lahainaluna Athletic Director Jonathan Conrad.
Organizers said the game is intended to use high school football as a bridge between the communities and provide an opportunity for mutual healing, remembrance and hope.