$50,000 in Some Punahou School students were shocked to hear that about $50,000 in cash raised at the carnival 10 days ago was stolen. Punahou uses the money for scholarships and financial aid.
cash stolen from
Punahou Carnival
The missing money was to
be used for student financial
aid and scholarshipsBy Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com"Stealing money is like stealing opportunity for our students," said 16-year-old Tara Jones.
Many people put a lot of work into organizing the carnival, Jones said. "It's surprising because it hasn't happened in the past."
Police said the theft occurred on Feb. 3 between midnight and 7 a.m. Maintenance workers discovered an open safe located in the business office of the Sullivan Administration Building, said school spokeswoman Bonnie Judd. Other items were also taken, but Judd declined to specify what the items were.
Judd said security around the administration building was heightened during carnival hours. Police said no arrests have been made at this time.
"I think it's really disappointing that someone would feel the need to lower themselves to that standard of stealing when it's for a certain cause that is financial aid," Jones said.
Jones' friend, 17-year-old Morgan Ross, said, "It's really shocking that someone would do that."
Police said a number of stuffed animals were stolen on campus two days before the carnival started on Feb. 1. However, it is unknown whether the two thefts are related.
Information about the thefts was kept quiet by Punahou School officials because they did not want to detract from the hard work of parents and children, Judd said.
The annual two-day event began in 1932 to help students with yearbook costs. Currently, most of the money raised helps support scholarship funds and financial aid, she said. Remaining funds assist juniors with graduation expenses and yearbook costs.
"About 10 percent of the student population benefits from financial aid," said Judd, adding the average award for each student who qualifies for financial aid is $4,903.
About 3,700 students from K-12 attend Punahou School. Tuition is about $10,500 to $10,950 for each student per year.
Judd said most of the money raised at the carnival was deposited in the bank. However, she declined to reveal the total amount of money generated during this year's carnival.
Though a substantial amount of cash was stolen, Judd said it will not affect the distribution of financial aid to students.
About 4,000 people volunteered at the annual event held in the beginning of February. The Punahou School junior class traditionally organizes the event with the help of parents and faculty members. Up to 50,000 people attended the carnival this year, Judd said.
The carnival is known for its array of food that includes malasadas, Hawaiian plates, Portuguese bean soup and gyros. A white-elephant sale, plant booth, fresh produce and artwork also are featured at the carnival.