Konawaena High will transition to distance learning during storm repairs

Konawaena High School in Kealakekua will transition to distance learning following storm damages from the recent kona low.

Hawai‘i Department of Education reported Tuesday evening, March 18, that the school will be closed March 23-27 to students to allow time for cleanup and repair work. School staff will use that week to prepare for distance learning.

Konawaena High will transition to distance learning beginning March 30, which will continue while storm damage remediation efforts continue.

The state Education Department and school leadership are working to support about 850 students during this transition, including ensuring access to technology, instructional materials and grab-and-go meal service.

Additional information will be shared directly with families and staff as plans are finalized.

Some school campuses on Hawaiʻi Island reported extensive damage from the recent storm, including widespread water intrusion across multiple classrooms and buildings, as well as significant roof damage.

A recent assessment at Konawaena High found that a majority of instructional spaces require professional cleaning and structural repairs.

Hawai‘i State Department of Education continues to assess impacts to campuses statewide following the recent kona low, which brought heavy rain, flooding and strong winds throughout multiple islands.

“We are incredibly grateful for the hard work of our school leaders, facilities crews and staff who have mobilized quickly to support recovery efforts across the state,” said Hawai‘i State Superintendent of Schools Keith Hayashi in a Tuesday, March 18, state release. “We also recognize the disruption this has caused for some of our school communities, including those transitioning to distance learning, and we are committed to supporting them every step of the way. With students and teachers off campus for spring break, our teams have valuable time to focus on cleanup and repairs.”

Full assessments are ongoing as facilities teams continue to access campuses and prioritize repairs.

The Education Department has received as of this week nearly 300 work orders related to storm damage, the majority of which reported on Oʻahu.

Most common issues involve roof leaks and water intrusion into classrooms, accounting for about half of all reports, followed by downed trees, debris and localized flooding.

There also have been 26 incidents reported for insurance review — reflecting more significant damage — at a smaller number of campuses.

All other schools are expected to reopen following this week’s spring break.

Education officials will continue working closely with state and county partners to assess damage, complete repairs and support schools as they safely resume normal operations.