Schools damaged from Kona low storms ready to welcome students back

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Two Hawaii public schools damaged by March’s Kona Low storms are ready to welcome students back for the new school year.

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Konawaena High School on Hawaii Island and Hokulani Elementary on Oahu are set to reopen Aug. 3 after months of repairs to classrooms and facilities flooded by several feet of water, mud and debris.

The storm damaged flooring, electrical systems, furniture and classroom equipment, and also caused water damage that led to mold concerns.

Following the flooding, Konawaena High shifted most students to distance learning, while Hokulani Elementary split its campus between Palolo Elementary and Aliiolani Elementary for the remainder of the school year.

“We have a safe healthy place that we get to welcome everybody back to,” said Konawaena High Principal Ami Akeo. “Our floors look beautiful, our walls look beautiful.”

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At Hōkūlani Elementary, more than 150 volunteers helped teachers move furniture, unpack supplies and prepare classrooms during a move-in day Saturday.

“I’m very excited to be back and to welcome back our students,” said Hōkūlani Elementary Principal Ervin Pasalo. “Being at one place with our students, with my teachers, I’m just really excited for them to come back and welcome them home.”

Acting Lt. Gov. and Comptroller Keith Regan praised state crews for completing the repairs in time for the first day of school.

“Our DAGS team in West Hawaiʻi has done an amazing job,” Regan said. “They really stepped up and did everything possible to try to get those schools up and running again so that our kids can get back in there when school starts.”

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