DOE lacking Maui County approval to open new Kihei high school

KIHEI (HawaiiNewsNow) – A brand new $120-million highschool for South Maui is scheduled to open subsequent week.

Nevertheless, the state has but to fulfill all the necessities.

The Hawaii Division of Training nonetheless must get hold of “momentary certificates of occupancy” to legally open the college.

It’s unclear if the county will log off on it, or make them wait till all of the pedestrian security measures are full.

“The County, like everybody concerned, believes that the protection of scholars is the best precedence. This has been a really lengthy course of and all of us have to work collectively to get by means of the required course of,” mentioned Mahina Martin, Maui County Chief of Communications and Public Affairs.

The DOE introduced that Kulanihakoi Excessive College is slated to open on Wednesday. Nevertheless, there may be new doubt about whether or not that can occur.

The realm in entrance of the college continues to be an energetic development zone and work is not going to be accomplished till subsequent month.

“They only have some cleanup work to do, it’s within the medians, placing up some signage, some closing paving, additionally in between the 2 phases that they labored on earlier,” mentioned Robin Shishido, state Division of Transportation Highways Deputy Director. “They’ve some closing inspections on the oblong fast flashing beacons that had been put in.”

Ten years in the past, the state required the Hawaii Division of Training to place in a grade-separated pedestrian crossing — like an overpass or underpass — throughout Piilani Freeway so pedestrians can get to the college safely.

Nevertheless, development for that’s estimated to take as much as 5 years relying on funding.

Within the meantime, the state constructed a two-lane roundabout to sluggish visitors down. The roundabout will embody raised crosswalks, signage, and flashing beacons to alert drivers when pedestrians are crossing the road.

“I’d need them to not less than try it out,” mentioned Kihei father of three Jonathan Takahama. “As a result of as of proper now, I don’t assume it’s secure.”

Jonathan Takahama lives proper throughout the road. His oldest can be attending the college in a few years.

“Folks which can be on the freeway, they’re dashing on a regular basis, and also you hear accidents virtually each different week,” Takahama mentioned.

DOE plans to have school-operated shuttles for college students till the crossing is accomplished.

Communications Director for the DOE mentioned it’s engaged on the mandatory steps to make sure the protection of all college students.

“We’re dedicated to constructing a grade-separated pedestrian crossing throughout Piilani Freeway. We’re working carefully with Mayor Bissen’s administration on one of the simplest ways ahead,” mentioned Nanea Kalani.

Kalani mentioned the DOE will make an announcement on Friday on subsequent steps.

Copyright 2023 Hawaii Information Now. All rights reserved.