DOE: 3 Lahaina schools sustain wind damage but remain in good condition
Kamehameha III Elementary in Lahaina town burned in fire
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The Maui News
Lahainaluna High, Lahaina Intermediate and Princess Nahi'ena'ena Elementary sustained wind damage but their overall structure of campus buildings and classrooms are in good condition, the state Department of Education said Tuesday.
State Superintendent Keith Hayashi was able to visit the campuses along with state legislators and DOE leadership.
"We are planning with our partners at the Department of Health, FEMA, Governor's office and the county to bring our students and staff back to school," Hayashi said in a news release."We know the recovery effort is still in the early stages and we continue to grieve the many lives lost. We are doing everything we can to support all of our impacted staff, students and families."
Crews are currently at the campus sites, cleaning debris and testing both air and water quality in the coming days. Reopening dates will be determined once campuses are confirmed as safe for students and staff.
The Kamehameha III Elementary school in Lahaina town burned in the fire and the DOE said it is still exploring options for students who attended the school. This includes welcoming students to Princess Nahi'ena'ena Elementary as well as the potential for a temporary satellite site in West Maui.
In the meantime, students who are able to are encouraged to enroll at other public schools that are near their current location so that they have access to in-person services like meals, socialization and counseling. DOE liaisons are visiting shelters to share information and resources with displaced students and families.
Schools in Central, South and Upcountry Maui and a few off-island schools have begun enrolling displaced students, signing up approximately 200 West Maui students as of Tuesday. Nearly 100 applications for the State Distance Learning Program were also received on Monday.
Joining Hayashi on Maui were state Senate Vice President and Education Chairwoman Michelle Kidani, state House Education Chairman Justin Woodson, state House Finance Chairman Kyle Yamashita and Board of Education Maui Member Kahele Dukelow.
The department is also offering students, families and staff mental health support -- both in-person and telehealth counseling. Information on this, as well as other information and resources to assist those impacted by the wildfires, can be accessed at bit.ly/HIDOE-West-Maui-Resources.