Kona Low Relief Fundraiser Raised Nearly $3,000!

On Friday, April 17, the students of Highlands Intermediate School organized a campus-wide fundraiser to support those impacted by the recent Kona Low disaster. Developed within Mr. Eric White’s Leadership Class, our initial goal was to raise $2,000 for the Kona Low Relief (Stronger Hawai’i Fund) to assist our North Shore neighbors. The energy at the Campus Center was incredible as teams faced off in a "ferocious" Penny War. While the competition was fierce, the true winner was our community. We are thrilled to announce that we exceeded our expectations, raising a total of $2,723.14.We would like to extend a special mahalo to our community partner, Bank of Hawai'i – Pearlridge (VP Susan Marciel). They were instrumental in this endeavor, graciously handling the monumental task of counting every coin and cutting the final check for this donation.After more than 60 years of service to the Pearl City community, we remain committed to helping our islands persevere through challenging times. We are honored to entrust these funds to the Hawai’i Community Foundation to aid in the recovery efforts.

Kona Low Relief Fundraiser 2026

This year, Highlands Intermediate School brought the community together with an exciting event—the Kona Low Relief Fundraiser 2026. Held during lunchtime, this spirited competition aimed to raise funds for the North Shore side of Oahu, an area in need of support and relief. The event featured a lively battle among our seven student teams, each wanting to win the top spot in the fundraiser. Students eagerly gathered around jars representing their teams, ready to show their school spirit. The twist? The game was both competitive and strategic. Coins placed into a team’s jar earned positive points, encouraging students to contribute generously to their own team. But there was a catch — students could also place dollars into opposing teams’ jars, which deducted points from that team’s total.Throughout the lunch period, the air was filled with excitement and friendly rivalry. Students cheered as their friends added coins, and laughs echoed when dollars found their way into rival jars. It was a fun and engaging way to raise funds, with everyone participating in the challenge to support the North Shore community. In the end, the event successfully brought together students, teachers, and staff in a shared effort to make a difference, raising $3,000. The Kona Low Relief Fundraiser 2026 was more than just a game — it was a powerful reminder of how our school community can come together to support those in need. We’re proud of everyone who participated and look forward to seeing the positive impact of our efforts! Avery Chagami, Dance Committee