DOE releases progress report for Lahaina schools’ reopening
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The Maui News
Air quality tests and a stable electrical connection have been completed at Lahaina public schools, but water quality testing and cleaning of indoor spaces are still in progress as the state works to reopen the campuses by mid-October.
The state Department of Education released a new report that provides status updates and criteria for the reopening of the Lahaina schools, which have been closed since the deadly wildfires on Aug. 8. The report will be updated as new information becomes available and can be accessed at bit.ly/LahainaSchoolsProgressReport.
According to the report, other tasks that are still in progress include soil testing, clearing of debris from facilities and grounds and ensuring stable internet and telephone service. The DOE is also working to ensure safety measures are in place and that mental health supports are provided for students and staff.
"By making vital data readily accessible to the public, we aim to keep our school communities informed while fostering trust and confidence in our response efforts," Superintendent Keith Hayashi said in a news release Wednesday.
The DOE is tentatively planning to reopen three of the four Lahaina schools -- Princess Nahi'ena'ena Elementary, Lahaina Intermediate and Lahainaluna High -- after fall break, which runs from Oct. 9-13. An exact date for students to return will depend on each school's phased reopening schedule, the DOE said.
King Kamehameha III Elementary School was damaged beyond repair, and the immediate plan is for students and staff to share a campus with Princess Nahi'ena'ena Elementary while a future temporary site for the school is planned.
In the meantime, the department has designated temporary schools in Central and South Maui for Lahaina students. As of Wednesday, more than 800 displaced and impacted students have reenrolled in other public schools, the DOE said.
Starting today, Lahainaluna students will be using part of the new Kulanihako'i High campus in Kihei for their classes.
In-person learning hubs are also being rolled out. A distance learning hub for K-8 Lahaina students will begin welcoming students this coming Tuesday at Citizen Church at 4275 Hine Way in Kahana. The learning hub will provide distance learning students with in-person opportunities for teacher support and peer socialization, as well as access to meals, recess, social-emotional learning and other resources.
Two other learning hubs will be offered in West Maui: one for high-needs special education students and another for Kaiapuni Hawaiian language immersion K-8 students. Families are being contacted directly for the special needs hub. Details on the Kaiapuni hub will be announced once plans are finalized.
Families who need assistance can call the department's support hotline at (808) 727-6880 or text "SUPPORT" to (808) 736-1427 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For updates on Maui schools, visit bit.ly/Maui-School-Updates.