HONOLULU (Island News) – The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) continues to assess impacts to campuses statewide following the second Kona Low storm that brought additional heavy rain and flooding to the state.
HIDOE reported over 500 storm-damage work orders across various island campuses, with 42 of those incidents submitted for insurance review due to more significant damage.
Spring break cleanup and repair efforts focused on school facilities while students and teachers were off campus. While most schools saw minor to moderate impacts, assessments are ongoing, with some reporting more extensive damage. Common problems include roof leaks and water intrusion, localized flooding, debris, and downed trees.
As a result of storm impacts and safety concerns, several schools on Hawaii Island, Oahu, and Maui County are expected to be closed on Monday, March 23, or for the week of March 23-27. The following schools are affected:
Oahu (March 23)
Waialua Elementary SchoolWaialua High & Intermediate SchoolHale’iwa Elementary SchoolSunset Beach Elementary School
Oahu school closures are due to potential flooding impacts that require further assessment and cleaning, as well as city-issued boil water notice that’s affecting the surrounding communities. Schools will use Monday to assess conditions and secure safe water for drinking and food preparation.
Students shouldn’t report to campus at the affected schools. Non-essential staff should also not report, and direct communication is being sent to families and employees with additional details.
Hawaii Island (March 23-27)
Konawaena Middle SchoolKonawaena High SchoolKe Kula O Ehunuikaimalino
The Kona schools will be closed to students during this period to allow for cleanup and repair work, and students shouldn’t report to campus.
At Konawaena High School, staff will use the week to prepare for the transition to distance learning. The school is scheduled to transition to distance learning beginning on Monday, March 30, while remediation efforts continue.
At Konawaena Middle School and Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino, some instructional spaces require additional testing and clearance following professional cleaning. Teachers at these schools will be on telework during the week. All other staff are expected to report to campus or assigned work locations to support school operations.
Molokai (March 23)
Kaunakakai Elementary SchoolKilohana Elementary SchoolMaunaloa Elementary SchoolMolokai Middle SchoolMolokai High SchoolHIDOE Molokai complex office
On Molokai, flooding and road closures impacted campus access for staff and students. Both students and staff shouldn’t report to the affected schools.
HIDOE is collaborating with state and county partners to evaluate the damage, complete necessary repairs, and provide updates to the school communities affected by the Kona Low storm.
MEMA issued evacuation warnings for Central Molokai due to flash flooding from heavy rain, and a shelter is open at the Kaunakakai Gym.