Recovery progress: Storm-damaged Kau District schools prepare to resume classes
HAWAII ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) – Eleven days after Hurricane Lala brought severe rain and heavy winds, the state said Kau High and Pahala Elementary and Naalehu Elementary will soon resume in-person learning as recovery efforts continue.
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The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) said Wednesday that Kau High and Pahala Elementary will reopen to students Monday, Aug. 31.
HIDOE said Naalehu Elementary will begin at-home learning through instructional packets this week. Students will begin temporary in-person instruction Wednesday, Sept. 2, at an alternate location.
The department said the plans are designed to reconnect students with their teachers, classmates and learning and provide greater consistency and routine as the surrounding communities continue to recover. Families and employees at both schools are receiving more detailed information directly from their schools.
Kau High and Pahala Elementary
The department said school staff will return to Kau High and Pahala Elementary Thursday and Friday to prepare for in-person learning.
Power has not yet been fully restored, but HIDOE said they are preparing to safely reopen the school Monday even if power isn’t restored.
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The state said generators are on site to support the administrative office and cafeteria. School, complex area and HIDOE teams are working to ensure essential operational needs can be met, including water service, meals and other necessary services.
Naalehu Elementary
HIDOE said Naalehu Elementary needs additional restoration work before students and staff can safely return.
Officials said the school sustained flooding in multiple classrooms and other storm-related impacts, with floodwaters carrying rocks, branches and other debris onto the campus.
HIDEO is preparing the Kau District Gym as a temporary site for in-person learning. School staff will report to the gym Friday to prepare for students.
Education officials said students will transition to in-person instruction at the gym on a rotational basis. The grade-level rotation, times and transportation arrangements are being finalized and communicated directly to families.
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