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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Halau Na Mamo O Ka‘ala of Waianae, led by kumu hula Tiare Noelani Ka‘aina, performed auana to the mele “Ku‘uipo Pua Rose” Saturday night at the 49th annual Merrie Monarch Festival at Edith Kanaka‘ole Tennis Stadium in Hilo.
Hawaii County has finished renovating and expanding Edith Kanakaole stadium.
Officials held a blessing ceremony Friday for the facility, home to the Merrie Monarch Festival.
The stadium has a new 4,200-square-foot building featuring six dressing/meeting rooms and tiled restrooms.
Merrie Monarch performances at the stadium begin on April 3.
The $3.4 million project was completed in about three months.
The stadium now has a new color scheme, native landscaping, new fencing, covered side entrances, an expanded lobby, larger concession area, upgraded electrical system to support enhanced lighting and sound systems and a larger vehicle entrance.
