After being cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Merrie Monarch Festival will be taking place this summer.  In an effort to keep the community safe while COVID remains active, this year’s festival will not have a live audience however audiences can view the competition on TV during a three-night broadcast on Hawaiʻi News Now’s KFVE.

In a press release festival President Luana Kawelu said, “the health and wellbeing of all hālau participants and the community overall was our top priority then and continues to be now as we move forward with holding the event this year.”  To prepare for this year’s festival Kawelu worked with health professionals and a team of advisors to develop safety guidelines modeled after those used by professional sports teams and associations over the past year.

Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth affirmed the County’s support of the festival saying, “as a dedicated and crucial partner, the County of Hawai‘i continues to work closely with Merrie Monarch Festival President Luana Kawelu, and the Organizing Committee.” Roth specifically acknowledged the plan saying, “I have received, read and approved the comprehensive and robust outline of the extensive protocols and actions.”

Performances and judging will take place in Hilo at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium on June 24, 25, and 26 and then broadcast on KFVE on July 1, 2 and 3, at which time winners will be announced.

For more information visit merriemonarch.com.