High school opening agreement reached
DOE ‘optimistic’ the Kulanihako‘i High School campus could open in August
The state Department of Education “is optimistic” that the new Kulanihako‘i High School in Kihei could open to students in August after Maui County and the state struck an agreement to issue the DOE a temporary certificate of occupancy.
Gov. Josh Green announced Wednesday that students will be allowed to physically attend the school after construction is completed and the DOE sets an opening date. School buses would safely transport the students to campus on an interim basis, according to the Governor’s Office.
The agreement reached between the state and the county will allow the DOE to receive a temporary certificate of occupancy in exchange for the state temporarily indemnifying the county from liability claims — the county has long held off on issuing a certificate because the DOE has yet to build a pedestrian crossing required to open the school.
The DOE will continue to move forward with the requirement that it build an elevated pedestrian crosswalk, which is needed in order to receive a permanent certificate of occupancy, the Governor’s Office said. Construction of the raised crosswalk is estimated to talk three years to complete and cost more than $25 million.
“The Department of Education is optimistic that Kulanihako‘i High students will be able to start the new school year in August at the new campus,” Deputy Superintendent Curt Otaguro said in a news release Wednesday. “We will continue to work closely with Maui County, Gov. Green, the state Department of Transportation and the Land Use Commission to address any concerns and ensure student safety.”
Tyler Sammon, a freshman at Kulanihako‘i High School who is currently taking classes on the Lokelani Intermediate campus, said students were informed Wednesday of the news that the high school will be able to open.
“I heard that school will be open probably in August, but I am hoping for us to move up to the new campus during this
school year to settle down with our current small group of students,” he said. “I can’t believe this is actually happening. I am so proud to be one of the first students at Kulanihako‘i High School.”
Green credited lawmakers from Maui and Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. on working together to help come to the agreement.
“After waiting decades for this school we are grateful to have the support (and) the leadership shown by our outstanding Governor and our excellent Mayor,” South Maui state Rep. Terez Amato said. “Education is a core value in our community. Our students, teachers, our economy indeed our entire community all benefit from such excellent leadership.”
Rebecca Hill, organizer of the Kihei Parents Hui that has been advocating for the opening of the school, said that “we are thrilled that our voices have been heard.”
“We have made a big push in the media and with our politicians and are grateful it has paid off,” said Hill, who hopes to eventually send her seventh grade student to the high school. “Today our students and families are celebrating.”
She added that “this situation shines a light on the inefficiencies and lack of accountability in the Hawaii DOE.” Last month the state Land Use Commission grilled DOE officials over the school’s delayed opening and funding spent on the roundabout near the entrance to the school. Sen. Angus McKelvey has said he wants to see an audit of the department’s spending related to the roundabout.
“There needs to be more transparency at the DOE,” Hill said. “We hope that moving forward Governor Green will find a way to reduce the top heavy bureaucracy at the DOE.”
McKelvey said in a news release Wednesday that the agreement between the county and state to offer a temporary solution will make sure the DOE follows through on its requirements.
“We remain committed to funding the required grade-separated overpass,” said McKelvey, whose district includes South Maui. “By making this only a temporary solution, it continues to put the onus on the DOE to follow through on what should have been done before this point.”