Kealakehe Elementary Breaks Ground on $16M 13,000-Square-Foot Classroom Building

Kealakehe Elementary has broken ground on a new $16 million, two-story classroom building that will add roughly 13,000 square feet of space and four classrooms to the Kona campus. The project aims to expand capacity, improve safety across the sloped upper and lower campus, and upgrade learning environments for students and staff.

The building program includes four modern classrooms, dedicated special education spaces, a covered outdoor learning area or lanai, faculty workroom and offices, and storage. Two pedestrian bridges will link the new structure to existing buildings, addressing a long-standing challenge of moving safely between the school’s upper and lower portions. Nan Inc. has begun construction, with the project managed through the state Department of Accounting and General Services’ newly established West Hawaii District Office and overseen by the Hawaii State Department of Education. Officials expect construction to finish in September 2027.

State and school leaders framed the project as a community investment. Superintendent Keith Hayashi said, “From the support of the new DAGS district office to the designers who offered a solution that met school needs within site constraints, we are looking forward to this new building connecting the upper and lower campus and elevating the learning environments for students, teachers and staff.” Hayashi added in a separate remark, “This building has been a bridge, literally and figuratively, connecting the school, partners and our students’ education.” Principal Wendy Daniel said, “Our school community has been waiting in anticipation for our new building. We are excited for this new building to support our increasing student population and lay the foundation for future generations of Warriors to learn and grow.”

Design work by Urban Works, Inc. incorporates neutral tones and residential-style Hardie clapboard siding with copper roof accents and pops of color. Large operable windows, clerestory windows and second-floor ceiling heights up to 15 feet are intended to bring natural light and air into classrooms. State Comptroller and DAGS Director Keith Regan noted the project is among the first major efforts supported by the new West Hawaii DAGS district office, created to better serve schools and state facilities in the Kona region. Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha (SD3) and Representative Nicole E. Lowen (HD6) joined the school community for the groundbreaking celebration, which was also marked by a blessing ceremony.

Beyond new classrooms, the project carries public health and equity implications for Big Island families. Dedicated special education spaces and safer circulation between campus levels reduce barriers for students with mobility or sensory needs. Improved daylighting and operable windows can support healthier indoor environments for children and staff, while investment in school infrastructure signals commitment to local keiki, educators and community resilience.

Construction is now underway; residents and families can expect the DOE and DAGS to release further project updates as the work progresses toward the September 2027 completion target.