More to the story: Laying foundation for future students with new $16M Kealakehe Elementary building

Kealakehe Elementary School is literally laying a foundation for future students as work gets underway on a new $16 million classroom building designed to physically connect the school’s upper and lower campuses and expand learning space to better serve a growing student population.

The 2-story, 13,000-square-foot facility will add 4 classrooms, special education spaces, an outdoor classroom, covered learning lānai, faculty workroom, offices and storage.

Two pedestrian bridges will link the structure to existing buildings, allowing students and staff to safely and seamlessly move across the sloped campus.

General contractor Honolulu-based Nan Inc., which has offices on the Big Island, is already at work on the new school structure, with completion estimated slightly more than 18 months from now in September 2027.

“This building has been a bridge — literally and figuratively — connecting the school, partners and our students’ education,” said Hawaiʻi State Superintendent of Schools Keith Hayashi. “We are looking forward to this new building connecting the upper and lower campus and elevating the learning environments for students, teachers and staff.”

Supporters of the classroom expansion project include Big Island state Sen. Dru Kanuha and Big Island state Rep. Nicole Lowen.

New Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services West Hawaiʻi District Office and its designers also offered a design solution that met school needs and stayed within site constraints.

Hawaiʻi Legislature and Gov. Josh Green’s support for a second state Department of Accounting and General Services district office on the Big Island was clutch for later having the new West Hawaiʻi office and staff in place to give the new Kealakehe school building project a leg up.

“It was evident a second office was needed to properly service our schools and [Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services]-managed facilities in West Hawaiʻi,” said Hawaiʻi Comptroller and state Department of Accounting and General Services Director Keith Regan. “It’s thanks to this support that we now have a highly skilled and motivated district engineer in place in West Hawaiʻi, who has positively impacted our support of the [Hawaiʻi Department of Education] and our other operations.”

Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services West Hawaiʻi District Office Program Manager Ramsi Mansour said the new office is prepared to support school construction and maintenance projects throughout West Hawaiʻi, beginning with Kealakehe Elementary.

Kanuha and Lowen were unable to attend a recent groundbreaking for the new classroom building because of the ongoing state legislative session, but Kanuha said in a joint release with Lowen that their hearts are “very much with Kealakehe Elementary School.”

“This project represents years of collaboration and advocacy to ensure our West Hawaiʻi students have safe and modern learning environments,” said Hawaiʻi Senate Majority Leader Kanuha. “I’m grateful to everyone who helped move this project forward.”

Lowen added that securing funding for the project was a priority for the Legislature because students deserve learning spaces that support their success.

“I’m thrilled to see construction begin on this new classroom building, which represents a meaningful investment in our keiki and the future of our community.” said the West Hawaiʻi state lawmaker in the joint release. “I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to help make this long-awaited project a reality.”

Neutral tones blend with the natural landscape, accented by copper roofing and pops of color in building outcroppings, designed to create a welcoming environment for young learners.

The intentional use of Hardie clapboard siding on the exterior is reminiscent of residential material, giving the structure a homey look and feel.

Large operable windows also bring light and nature directly into the classroom. Tall ceilings of up to 15 feet and clerestory windows give the second floor the additional feeling of like being in open sunlight and air.

“Our school community has been waiting in anticipation for our new building,” said Kealakehe Elementary Principal Wendy Daniel. “We are excited for this new building to support our increasing student population and lay the foundation for future generations of Warriors to learn and grow.”

This project underscores a shared commitment among state leaders, educators and community partners to invest in safe, high-quality learning environments and ensure Hawai‘i’s public schools are equipped to serve students now and into the future.

This story was produced by Hawaiʻi Department of Education and being shared by Big Island Now with some additional comments and information. You can read the original story at the state Education Department website.