HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The state Department of Education says the Kona low storms last month caused about $171 million in damage to its public schools.
The number was shared by DOE superintendent Keith Hayashi at the state board of education meeting Thursday.
He said the DOE received more than 500 storm related work orders and 42 insurance claims for several buildings statewide.
Damages include flooding and water intrusion into classrooms, roof and ceiling damage, debris, clogged drainage systems, and access issues due to road closures.
Hayashi said Konawaena Middle and High Schools were among the hardest hit. Students shifted to distance learning.
“The water line was about four feet high. It kind of shows you, it gives you an idea of the magnitude and amount of water that came down at one time, and the force of the water,” Hayashi said during his board report.
“I’ve never seen anything like it in my life in terms of the degree and the intensity of the damage at those schools.”
Hayashi also noted impacts on Noelani and Hokulani in Manoa. Students from the latter have been relocated to other schools until cleanup is completed. Schools on Maui, Molokai and Oahu’s north shore continue to recover.
“Ongoing repairs at the affected campuses continue. I wanna acknowledge the efforts of our staff, especially the facilities team,” Hayashi said.
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