Konawaena High Closes for Storm Repairs, Shifts to Distance Learning

Konawaena High School's Kealakekua campus sat empty of students this week as repair crews moved through roughly 70% of its classrooms, the aftermath of a kona low that tore through West Hawaiʻi with heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education announced March 18 that the school would close to students March 23–27 for professional cleaning and structural repairs, with distance learning beginning Monday, March 30 for the approximately 850 students enrolled. The closure coincides with spring break, though March 26 is also a state-observed holiday.

Acting principal Chelsea Qualey put the damage in plain terms in a Facebook post directed at families. "It is with a heavy heart that I must share that approximately 70% of our instructional spaces have been damaged and are currently unsafe for our students," Qualey wrote. "Because your child's safety is my absolute priority, we must temporarily transition to distance learning while repairs are made." HIDOE's own assessment described the scope as a majority of instructional spaces requiring professional cleaning and structural repairs, consistent with Qualey's figure.

Photos shared by the school showed dirt and debris blanketing a portion of the campus track and standing water damage visible across a classroom interior, images that underscore why the week-long cleanup cannot wait.

State Superintendent of Schools Keith Hayashi acknowledged the disruption in a statement released alongside the closure announcement. "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," Hayashi said. "With students and teachers off campus for spring break, our teams have valuable time to focus on cleanup and repairs."

While students stay off campus, Konawaena High faculty and staff spent the week preparing for the distance learning transition. At the neighboring Konawaena Middle School and Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino, some instructional spaces require additional testing and clearance after professional cleaning; teachers at those schools moved to telework for the week while other staff were directed to report to campus or assigned work locations.

HIDOE said it is working to ensure all 850 Konawaena High students have access to technology and instructional materials when distance learning begins March 30. Grab-and-go meal service will also be available during the transition period. Additional details on logistics are being communicated directly to families and staff as plans are finalized.

The storm's reach extended well beyond Kealakekua. Statewide, HIDOE logged nearly 300 storm-related work orders across its campuses, with some schools on Hawaiʻi Island and Maui reporting widespread water intrusion across multiple classrooms and buildings, as well as significant roof damage. All other schools are expected to reopen following the break. HIDOE said it is continuing facility assessments and coordinating with state and county partners to prioritize repairs and support a safe return to normal operations.