Na‘alehu Elementary set to reopen on Monday

Na‘alehu Elementary School is set to reopen this Monday after repairs from Hurricane Lala have been completed, state officials said.

The repairs took nearly two months after Hurricane Lala in August caused flooding and extensive damage to the campus. Staff are preparing the campus and classrooms for the return of about 400 students, with final preparations taking place over fall break this week, according to the Hawaii Department of Education.

Students had been temporarily relocated to Kau District Gym on Sept. 2, where classes took place on a staggered schedule by grade level.

“Parents, staff and the community have shown up for us during these uncertain times,” said Naalehu Elementary Principal Jason Britt in a news release. “I am so thankful to our teachers and administrators who created the welcoming environment at Kau District Gym and provided stability, positivity and support for our students during this transition. And I cannot thank our facilities and janitorial staff enough for their dedication and hard work to ready our campus. We cannot wait to be back at school.”

Following Hurricane Lala, Na‘alehu Elementary required major repairs, including the replacement of damaged floors, furniture and equipment, and mold remediation.

Statewide, DOE identified 38 schools with storm-related repair and maintenance needs following Hurricane Lala, generating 153 work orders at an estimated preliminary cost of $12.5 million.