Dear Hilo High ʻOhana,
Hilo is a special place, and Hilo High School is proud to be part of a community grounded in connection, care, and shared responsibility for our young people.
Over the past few days, there have been incidents involving a small subset of individuals that have drawn attention both on campus and in the community. While these situations did not originate within the school setting, they reflect broader dynamics that played out in public spaces and, as seen in news reports and on social media, involved not only students but also adults. While these events are concerning, it is important to be clear that they do not represent the vast majority of our students or the values that define Hilo High and our broader Hilo community.
When situations like this occur, they can create uncertainty and concern for families, staff, and students alike. We approach this moment with empathy, recognizing that young people are still learning, growing, and navigating complex social dynamics, often alongside challenges that extend beyond school. At the same time, we remain firm in our responsibility to ensure safety, accountability, and support for all students.
Hilo High School does not stand apart from the community. We are part of it. The values we expect on campus of respect, empathy, responsibility, and care for others are the same values that strengthen Hilo as a whole. As part of this shared responsibility, families may have noticed a police presence on campus. This was a precautionary measure and part of our continued coordination with community partners to support a calm and safe environment for our students. When behaviors and decisions like these are normalized, excused, or rationalized away, it risks shifting the moral compass of our community. That is something we cannot allow to happen to the Hilo we know and love.
We must also be clear in reinforcing a shared expectation. An appropriate response to words, disagreements, or conflict is never physical violence. Normalizing that response runs counter to the values we all work to uphold, both in our schools and throughout our community. Addressing concerns like these requires partnership between school, families, and the wider community, and we are actively working alongside our community partners to support a safe and calm environment for our students.
We also want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate what often goes unseen. Every day, the overwhelming majority of our students make positive choices, support one another, and contribute to a caring school culture. Those actions matter, and they are the foundation of who we are as a school.
As we move forward, we ask for your continued partnership. Please continue to talk with your students and reinforce our shared expectations. Hilo High remains committed to listening, supporting our students, and working together as a school and community.
Mahalo for your trust, your support, and your shared commitment to our keiki and to Hilo.
Warm regards,
Adrian De Mello
Adrian De Mello
Principal