"Isn't it exciting?" said Rep. Corrine Ching as she hugged Gaye Miyasaki, a member of the school's Refurbishing Committee. "For years and years the auditorium has fallen into disrepair and now we have the funds," said Ching, R-27th (Liliha, Pu'unui).

The first priority will be to bring the electrical system and plumbing up to standard, Ching said. A project to replace the auditorium's roof will begin next week, financed with previously released money.

But as pleased as advocates were to receive the $300,000, they noted there will be little money for much else.

"We want people to be aware this is not enough money," Ching said.

A total of $1.8 million had been sought.

"This is the gem of our district" and deserves more, Ching said.

Nestled along the historically registered Kawananakoa Park, the auditorium was built in 1936 with the help of Princess Kawananakoa, who secured the money from the territorial Legislature to build the auditorium. The auditorium was used as a community theater and hosted local and Mainland performers as well as those from Japan.

But from its glory days more than 50 years ago, the auditorium has slowly sunk into disrepair.

The building is plagued with structural problems that have left portions of it unusable for years. Holes in the ceiling and a deteriorating roof led to numerous flooding problems during heavy rain, said principal Sandra Ishihara-Shibata. The building is also running on an outdated and faulty electrical and plumbing system, she said.

Backstage portions of the auditorium are unusable because of substantial termite damage, lead paint and walls that crumble when touched. "Look at this," Shibata said, touching termite-infested wall panels. "It's like paper."

The auditorium is particularly important at Kawananakoa, where Shibata estimated that three-quarters of the student population is involved in the band, orchestra, music and drama programs.

Once the necessary repairs are made, Ching intends to push to open the auditorium for public use as it was in the 1930s and '40s. "Our hopes are that this will revitalize the community," Ching said.

William Philpots, president of Philpots and Associates, along with Lorraine Palumbo, president of Minatoishi Palumbo Architects, has been consulting with the planning committee pro bono to protect the historical integrity of the building during construction.

"The main objective is to prevent any further damage to the structure," Philpots said.

There are a number of other extra improvements Shibata would like to see, but probably won't be covered with the estimated allocated money for construction. Things like new seating and even air conditioning may have to wait.

Shibata is pleased that the repairs will allow the auditorium to remain in use.

"I think it will build the self-esteem of the kids," she said.