Kamehameha Schools students will mark the 30th anniversary of Hawaiian as an official language of the state of Hawai'i during the 88th Annual Kamehameha Schools Song Contest.

The event is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena.

A live broadcast is scheduled on KGMB9 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. A one-hour pre-show will be aired at 6:30 p.m.

High school students will honor the Hawaiian language by singing mele composed by some of Hawai'i's best known musical talents, including Kealii Reichel, Robert Cazimero, Manu Boyd, Dennis Kamakahi and Mahiai Beamer.

Kamehameha Schools is offering a DVD and digital downloads of the competition, with sale proceeds benefiting the Ke Alii Pauahi Foundation. Visit www.ksbe.edu for purchase details.

A rebroadcast of the entire concert is scheduled to air at 6:30 p.m. March 21 on KGMB9.

Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational, charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Kamehameha Schools operates a statewide educational system enrolling more than 6,700 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on O'ahu, Maui and Hawai'i and 31 preschool sites statewide.