Kau schools remain closed; DOE learning plan expected next week

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) – Na’alehu Elementary School and Ka’u High & Pahala Elementary school remain closed to students and staff one week after Hurricane Lala began affecting Hawaii Island.

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The Hawaii Department of Education said Thursday that plans for resuming education programming are expected to be finalized and announced next week, after the impacts of the new approaching storm becomes clearer.

School leaders are developing plans to support continued learning during ongoing recovery efforts.

Na’alehu Elementary sustained minor structural damage from the storm, with multiple classrooms damaged by flooding, while Ka’u High and Pahala Elementary sustained damage to one elementary classroom and the weight room.

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Both campuses remain without power and access is limited due to damage along Highway 11.

The island is bracing for more heavy rains and gusty winds as Tropical Depression Two-C is expected to bring more severe weather as early as Saturday.

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