12 schools awarded $200,000 for repairs

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Hawai'i 3R's program has awarded grants totaling $200,000 to 12 public schools for backlogged repair and maintenance work to begin during the winter school breaks.

The schools include 'Aikahi Elementary, Kapunahala Elementary, Aliamanu Elementary, Kaunakakai Elementary (Molo-

ka'i), Aliamanu Middle School, Lihikai Elementary (Maui), He'eia Elementary, Mililani Mauka Elementary, Jarrett Middle School, Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate, Kalaheo High School and Waimea Middle School on the Big Island.

Volunteers participate in projects that will help the state tackle the estimated $560 million backlog in school repairs. The most recent award will be used to complete more than $490,000 in repairs.

Projects include the recarpeting of classrooms, installing walkway railings, repairing and widening of walkways, installing speed bumps, and the interior and exterior painting of various school buildings including two libraries.

Hawai'i 3R's (Repair, Remodel and Restore Hawai'i's public schools) has partnered with the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation and the U.S. Marine Corps Base Hawai'i to assist the public schools of Windward O'ahu. Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate School is receiving its second grant award.

The program, started in 2001 by Sen. Dan Inouye, D-Hawai'i, works with state agencies, trade unions, businesses, military, community leaders, parents, teachers and students in a partnership of "sweat equity" — both skilled and unskilled — to reduce the backlog at a significantly lower cost.

Reach Suzanne Roig at 395-8831 or sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com.