Posted on: Thursday, August 19, 2004

Schools take aim at nasty toilets

By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Education Writer

Students who have complained about foul restrooms at Hawai'i's public schools may soon get some relief.

The state Department of Education plans a pilot project at four schools to find out how best to restore restrooms and hopefully keep them clean.

The project will start small. One boys' restroom and one girls' restroom at Kaimuki High School, Aliamanu Middle School, Kailua Intermediate School and Waiau Elementary School will be targeted. After initial cleaning and restoration, the schools will form teams responsible for making sure the restrooms remain clean and well-stocked.

Students have acknowledged that their sloppiness plays a significant part, but the DOE also wants administrators and custodians to be more accountable.

If the pilot project works this fall, it will be expanded to other restrooms at the schools, and possibly to schools statewide.

"I think this is extremely important," said Troy Hashimoto, a senior at King Kekaulike High School on Maui and the student member of the state Board of Education.

Students have told of broken fixtures, missing doors on stalls and no soap and toilet paper. The state Legislature approved an additional $1 million this year for restroom supplies, and better restrooms are part of the DOE's broader repair and maintenance and classroom renovation plans.

A school board committee was briefed on the pilot project yesterday, and some members wondered if it would be like previous attempts at restroom improvement that largely failed.

"We all know this has been a chronic problem," said board member Karen Knudsen.

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8084.