The state Department of Education continues recovery and planning efforts for Na‘alehu Elementary School and Ka‘u High &Pahala Elementary School following “significant impacts” from Hurricane Lala.

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The state Department of Education continues recovery and planning efforts for Na‘alehu Elementary School and Ka‘u High &Pahala Elementary School following “significant impacts” from Hurricane Lala.

The schools remain temporarily closed to students and staff.

The DOE said Thursday that due to uncertainty about potential impacts from the incoming storm, restoration of utilities, and safe access to the campuses, the department will finalize and share plans for resuming educational programming early next week.

The DOE is developing plans to support continued learning while campus and community recovery efforts continue. Families and employees at both schools will receive additional information directly as plans are finalized.

On Wednesday, DOE staff, state Department of Accounting and General Services personnel, and contractors visited both campuses to conduct additional assessments.

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Na‘alehu Elementary sustained minor structural damage, and multiple classrooms were damaged by flooding and storm debris. The campus remains without electricity and water.

At Ka‘u High &Pahala Elementary, the school’s weight room and one elementary classroom sustained flood damage.

The campus remains without electricity, and safe access along Highway 11 is a concern.

Today is Statehood Day, a state holiday. Public schools and offices will be closed statewide.

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