The just-announced $505,000 project to provide a "safe room" for students and faculty at Mauka Lani Elementary School's library and administration building is the first of several improvements on tap for the campus.

Seals will be replaced on doors and windows, and the air-conditioning system will be modified to allow air circulation during an emergency. Principal Carlyn Fujimoto said the "shelter-in-place" is needed because the school is within five miles of Campbell Industrial Park.

Construction is expected to begin soon on a five-classroom building, and a major overhaul of existing facilities is scheduled for 2008, Fujimoto said.