Vandals paint graffiti at Kailua school

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

KAILUA — Kailua Intermediate School was victimized Thursday night by vandals who left graffiti on buildings across the Windward campus that shocked students, but at the same time brought out their school pride, according to principal Lorraine Henderson.

Fresh paint on the wall of a building yesterday at Kailua Intermediate School offered a lingering reminder of the racial slur, demeaning remarks and obscene drawings that vandals left behind Thursday night. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

"The kids were indignant," Henderson said. "They made comments expressing their school pride."

Henderson said most of the markings were sexual drawings and inappropriate language. There was one racial slur, Henderson said, adding that school custodians had painted over all of the graffiti by 9 a.m. yesterday.

Four buildings were marked, with numerous drawings on each. The library had 13 covered drawings on its outside mural ranging in size from 1-foot-square to a 5-foot-by-3-foot area. Similar paint-overs appeared on the other buildings on campus.

Kailua Intermediate receives students from nine elementary feeder schools in Kailua and the Marine Corps Base Hawai'i at Kane'ohe. Its student body includes students from all races and economic backgrounds.

Henderson said there are suspects, but refused to comment further.

The school called two emergency assemblies for the students, who rallied behind their school, she said, adding that even teachers admitted feeling more pride in the school. Some children expressed concern for their safety, but Henderson said she was able to reassure them.

The outpouring of pride, the custodians' quick action and parents calling in to offer help really turned a negative day around, she said. The attack had the opposite effect than one would expect, Henderson said.

"Things ended on a positive note today," she said.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.