Hawaii public schools sustain $171M in damages from Kona low storms
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The state Department of Education says the Kona low storms final month precipitated about $171 million in harm to its public schools.
The quantity was shared by DOE superintendent Keith Hayashi on the state board of training assembly Thursday.
He mentioned the DOE acquired greater than 500 storm associated work orders and 42 insurance coverage claims for a number of buildings statewide.
Damages embrace flooding and water intrusion into lecture rooms, roof and ceiling harm, particles, clogged drainage methods, and entry points on account of highway closures.
Hayashi mentioned Konawaena Middle and High Schools had been among the many hardest hit. Students shifted to distance studying.
“The water line was about four feet high. It kind of shows you, it gives you an idea of the magnitude and amount of water that came down at one time, and the force of the water,” Hayashi mentioned throughout his board report.
“I’ve never seen anything like it in my life in terms of the degree and the intensity of the damage at those schools.”
Hayashi additionally famous impacts on Noelani and Hokulani in Manoa. Students from the latter have been relocated to different schools till cleanup is accomplished. Schools on Maui, Molokai and Oahu’s north shore proceed to recuperate.
“Ongoing repairs at the affected campuses continue. I want to acknowledge the efforts of our staff, especially the facilities team,” Hayashi mentioned.
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