Three Kailua-Kona public schools are getting nearly $7.8 million of overdue improvements.
More than 25 years of daily use has taken a toll on Kahakai and Kealakehe Elementary Schools, as well as Kealakehe Intermediate. Buildings need to be painted, windows fixed, inadequate lighting upgraded and floors replaced, said Duane Kashiwai, public works administrator for the state Department of Education’s Facilities Development Branch.
Whole school renovations start in late May and end 10 months later at Kealakehe Elementary and Intermediate. Improvements at Kahakai Elementary begin June 24 and are expected to be completed by January, he said.
The renovations were originally to have been done five years ago. However, the bid was postponed when then Gov. Linda Lingle did not release funds because of budget concerns, Kashiwai said.
DOE launched in 2001 the classroom renovation program, an effort to renovate about 200 of the state’s oldest schools. It has been stop-and-go for years for various reasons, including funding problems, the slowing economy and a need to preserve cash in the state’s general fund. Kashiwai said he expects to see a significant drop overall in the backlog or repair and maintenance work for schools statewide — once DOE finishes wrapping up work on the remaining schools waiting for top-to-bottom renovations.
The bid for this project went out last year and was awarded to BCP Construction of Hawaii Inc., a full-service general contractor that provides new construction on commercial facilities and institutions, as well as demolition and remodeling services for existing structures. According to the company’s website, it has completed more than 900 projects for federal, state and private agencies since being incorporated in 1990.
The work described in the bid generally consists of the removal of asbestos-containing building material; replacement of windows; floor covering; tack boards; whiteboards; electrical light fixtures; switches; receptacles and cover plates; doors and door frames; finish hardware; termite-damaged wood; sinks and cabinets; security screens; re-keying of locks; interior and exterior painting; concrete repairs; gypsum wallboard; signage; furniture and some minor repair work.
Where the renovations have been completed, principals and their staff have said the face lift bolsters pride in their school; the experience was uplifting and likened the school to undergoing a renewal, Kashiwai said.
School facilities have a impact on their occupants and the buildings’ functions — teaching and learning. Children are stimulated by their surroundings, and these renovations will help create a positive, visually comfortable environment in which to learn, Kahakai Elementary Principal Jessica Yamasawa said.
“Kahakai Elementary was built about 30 years ago, and it’s just time to renovate,” she said. “We’re grateful for the taxpayer funds and opportunity to give our school and the other two much-needed face lifts, especially in this economy.”
A better learning environment means better learning, according to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report, “How Does Indoor Air Quality Impact Student Health and Academic Performance — The Case for Comprehensive IAQ Management in Schools.”
“Health, attendance and academic performance improve with increased maintenance,” the report stated. “Furthermore, schools with better physical conditions show improved academic performance while schools with fewer janitorial staff personnel and higher maintenance backlogs show poorer academic performance.”
Kealakehe Intermediate Principal Don Merwin said the work is appreciated and welcomed at his campus. While well-maintained, the buildings need some updating and general sprucing up, he added.
Kealakehe Elementary Principal Nancy Matsukawa could not be reached as of press time.
The work will be done section by section and with help, according to Yamasawa. For example, all buildings at Kahakai Elementary will be painted and windows upgraded. However, only the classrooms will have the flooring and interiors changed.
The contractor anticipates the kindergarten classrooms and two other classrooms will be completed over the summer. When the next school year begins, all other grade levels will be temporarily housed for two-week intervals in the portables while their classrooms, four at a time, are renovated, Yamasawa said.
Packing of all items inside the classrooms is no easy task. Staff has started putting instructional materials, books, computers, equipment and supplies into boxes, but help is needed. Any volunteers available to help teachers pack and unpack their classrooms and haul the items to a temporary store location, would be greatly appreciated, Yamasawa said.
Kealakehe Intermediate is also looking for help as its staff begins packing items up this spring, Merwin said.
Those interested in volunteering at Kahakai Elementary should call 327-4313 or email Parent-Community Network Center coordinator Jane Clement at jane_clement@notes.k12.hi.us. To help Kealakehe Intermediate, call 327-4314.