Police investigate vandalized student art at Kailua elementary school

KAILUA (HawaiiNewsNow) – A sentimental section of ‘Aikahi Elementary School’s playground sat blocked off with yellow caution tape Monday as police investigate an act of vandalism.

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Honolulu police say that sometime between Friday evening and Saturday evening, numerous student-made art tiles decorating a seating area were destroyed.

Learning of the vandalism was a disappointing start to the school year for ‘Aikahi fifth-grader Koa Bach, who called the incident “just sad.”

Bach said the artwork displayed positive affirmations, such as “do good in school, have a good heart.”

In addition to the encouraging messages, the wall features a small memorial for Maile Gilbert. The 6-year-old girl was abducted and murdered in 1985, which prompted the creation of Hawaii’s MAILE Amber Alert System 20 years ago.

The tragedy rattled the Kailua community decades ago, and neighbors are once again banding together in the wake of this vandalism.

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“People here are great. Everybody wants to help put it back together again, or find a way to fix it,” Koa’s mother, Shawna Bach, said.

‘Aikahi Principal Ann Berg said in a statement: ”Our students and staff were disappointed to begin the new school year and discover that the student-created artwork on our play structure had been badly vandalized. We encourage anyone with information, security footage or other details that may assist the investigation to contact the Honolulu Police Department. While this incident is upsetting, our focus is on supporting our students and working together as a school community to restore this special space.”

In a letter to parents on Monday, Berg added that the damaged portion of the structure will remain closed until cleanup and repairs are complete.

Koa’s sister, Kaia, also attended ‘Aikahi.

“I’ve gone there for seven years, so all me and my friends, that was our main place to hang out. We would look at the tiles, sit on the benches. It’s sad,” she said.

HPD has classified the case as fourth-degree criminal property damage. The incident remains under investigation, and no arrests have been made.

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Anyone with information is asked to contact police.