'Aina Haina campus still needs work
By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Writer
'AINA HAINA — Construction crews have been working overtime and on weekends to complete more than $1 million in renovations at Aina Haina Elementary School in time for the return of students today.
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser
But the workers came up short, and when children report to school today, they'll have to walk gingerly around temporary orange barricades to get to classrooms that have been redone from top to bottom.
Principal Leatrice Chee has asked parents to help steer students clear of construction zones at Aina Haina Elementary.
Principal Leatrice Chee said it will be completely safe, but she still worries that students might trip and fall.
"The students need to be extra careful and alert and watch where they're walking," said Chee.
Construction workers have promised Chee that the walkways will be cleared before students arrive, she said. For the areas that aren't protected, Chee has sent a plea to parents asking for volunteers to come in the morning, during recess and after lunch to help steer students clear of the construction zones.
She doesn't know how many will show up; hopefully enough to ensure the kids are safe, she said.
This morning, all the teachers and support staff will be out front to greet the students and to warn them of what to expect.
"We had hoped that they (workers) would have it finished by the time school started," Chee said yesterday. "They have been working overtime. They are even paving the front driveway as we speak."
The school has undergone significant renovations that began in April, Chee said — more than $1 million worth, compared with the $425,000 it cost to build the school in the 1950s. Three projects were done simultaneously: water line replacement, a new parking lot and renovation of the classrooms.
The school plans to show off its new look at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 21, Chee said.
Meanwhile, dirt is piled in mounds all over the courtyard and grassy areas. But inside the classrooms, new desks, lights, carpets, bulletin boards, blackboards, white boards and windows will greet students.
"We wanted it to be bright," Chee said. "It was pinkish before, kind of dull."
Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com or 395-8831.
