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Column brought back memories of LHS tradition

On behalf of the Lahainaluna Boarders Association, aloha to Ben Lowenthal for his awesome “State of Aloha” column on May 4.

His writing was highly educational as well as memory inducing.

Yes, this is the time of year that boarders at Lahainaluna trek up the mountain to continue a tradition that has been passed down for years. His column brought many of us back to a time in our youth that we still cherish.

Gathering near the ditch, leaving campus early in the morning, walking/running to the base of the mountain. The hike up Pu’u Pa’u Pa’u (Mt. Ball) with senior boarders carrying bags of lime for the last time in high school. Other boarders carrying tools for cleaning and water for drinking.

At the “L” the surrounding area is cleared of brush and growth, string is pulled for the outlines and a fresh coat of lime is applied. Bars for each MIL championship would be added, and in the lower right corner the year of the graduating class. Then it’s to the top of the mountain and the gravesite of David Malo, where we honor and pay our respects to this very well-educated, beloved Hawaiian man, and a proud alumnus of Lahainaluna.

This past May 19, the current boarders carried on this boarding tradition.

As the school year ends, so ends another chapter in the living history that is Lahainaluna. On the slopes above Lahaina 187 years of education continues. O Keia Ke Kukui Pio Ole I Ka Makani O Kauaula.

Thank you, Mr. Rosenthal, and Imua Lahainaluna.

Craig Murakami, President

Eddie Espiritu, Secretary

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