New HIDOE report outlines 23 schools, department building with alarm issues, concerns
Posted: January 31, 2024
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) released a list of 23 schools across the state with fire alarm issues or concerns. Thirteen are slated for complete replacements of their campus fire alarm system.
The schools are categorized as critical, poor, and fair.
Critical means their systems show significant deterioration or frequent issues, impacting overall reliability with critical failures that may compromise life safety or property protection.
Schools in the critical category are: August Ahrens Elementary, ʻEwa Elementary, Hawaiʻi School for Deaf and Blind, Jarrett Middle, Kapaʻa High, Kapālama Elementary, Kauaʻi High, Kealakehe Intermediate, Kohala Middle, Kōloa Elementary, Konawaena Elementary, Konawaena High, Waimea High, and Wilcox Elementary.
Some of the systems have not worked for years, such as at Konawaena Elementary, where the system has been inoperable since November 2019. Instead, schools implement a fire watch plan, which involves a person on campus assigned to call different buildings, rooms, and teachers when a fire breaks out so everyone can evacuate.
The department’s Queen Liliʻuokalani building on Punchbowl Street in downtown Honolulu is also considered critical, and is slated for a complete fire alarm system upgrade to be code compliant.
Poor means that systems have noticeable wear or components nearing the end of their service life, such as aging equipment.
Leilehua High falls in the poor category.
Fair means that systems that are still functional but may benefit from modernization for enhanced features or efficiency.
Schools in the fair category are: Hāna High and Elementary, Hōlualoa Elementary, Kahuku Elementary, Kainalu Elementary, Maʻemaʻe Elementary, McKinley High, Moanalua Middle, and Molokaʻi High.
Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association President Osa Tui, Jr. said, “Over 15,000 students attend these schools. That’s 15,000 students, and all the faculty and staff at these schools, who are at risk. This needs to be addressed right away.”
The HIDOE estimates the 15 critical projects at $36.1 million. All are expected to go out to bid this year. The rest are estimated at $4.8 million.
The HIDOE noted that, “While we have schools in various stages, insufficient funding prevents concurrent execution of all projects. The Department will request legislative funding of $10 million annually for the next five years, specifically designated for statewide fire alarm repairs.”
At a Hawaiʻi Board of Education meeting earlier this month, Tui told board members, “HSTA can assist in getting those funds, please Superintendent (Keith) Hayashi, board members, let us know.”
He added, “Waiting for 12 to 18 months for permitting is not something any of us can be comfortable with when it comes to ensuring our schools are properly equipped with critical and functional fire alarms.”
This latest report is the result of a resolution passed during the 2023 Legislative session requesting the HIDOE to create a priority list and timeline for repairing public school fire alarm systems and study acceptable alternatives.
Two bills up for consideration in this year’s Legislative session, House Bill 1616 and Senate Bill 2905, would codify the report as an annual practice.