Posted on: Tuesday, July 27, 2004

Kona deluge floods school

By Christie Wilson
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

KEALAKEKUA, Hawai'i — The flooding of 14 classrooms at Kona Waena Middle School over the weekend will not affect Thursday's orientation for new students, said Principal Nancy Soderberg.

The National Weather Service reported that more than 5 inches of rain fell on Kealakekua in 48 hours ending at 8 a.m. yesterday, with the biggest deluge occurring about midday Sunday.

Three homes on St. John's Road near the school were evacuated as a precaution but no damage was reported, the Hawai'i County Civil Defense Agency said.

Soderberg said runoff from the rain rose more than 8 inches above ground level, spilling over the foundation of four school buildings and seeping into the classrooms.

Teachers who were on campus to prepare for this week's start of classes quickly responded by moving boxes of books and other school materials off the tile floors, preventing any damage, Soderberg said.

Yesterday, crews mopped up the remaining mess.

Kona Waena Middle School will welcome new students Thursday, with classes for the entire student body of 515 starting Friday.

Reach Christie Wilson at (808) 244-4880 or at cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com.