For young people returning to the islands, family helps ease the cost burden
“I have family on this side able to take me in because if not I would probably be on the Mainland." - Ivy Navarro, Lahainaluna alum

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“I have family on this side able to take me in because if not I would probably be on the Mainland." - Ivy Navarro, Lahainaluna alum

“I hope there’s changes that can come in our economy that benefits its people first and not necessarily just how much money can you make from it,” Cowell said. “I hope people who are moving there and who are buying space there can acknowledge and realize how that is such a privilege. And that unfortunately there are people who cannot and will never be able to afford the spaces that they are occupying at this time.”

“I would just say we’re a very persistent and resilient class,” senior Lola Donez said Sunday. “We’ve literally been through it all I guess, and we’re still standing, we’re still here graduating. We still accomplished what every other high school student accomplishes when they graduate — we just kind of had to go through a lot more hardships.”

Students are graduating at a time when median home prices on Maui are $1.3 million and thousands of Lahaina families struggle with displacement. They’re facing big choices that could keep them on Maui or send them to the Mainland. And while some say they want to return, they’re well aware of the cost.

The talent displayed on the field was a landmark for the MIL in what can arguably be labeled its best sport.