Rep. Nakashima & Sen. Dwight Takamine reported that Honoka‘a Elementary’s Whole School Renovation project is nearing completion. The legislature initiated the Whole School Renovation Program shortly after the terrorist attacks of 2001 to address a serious backlog after the economic downturn in the 90s and to provide an economic boost after the attacks.

The work at Honoka‘a included removing asbestos; installing new windows, floor coverings, whiteboards, lights fixtures, doors, sinks and furniture; and painting the interiors and exteriors of the buildings. The legislators report that the contractor is finishing the punch list and the exterior painting.  Rep. Nakashima also reported that a bid has been awarded for a related electrical upgrade project for Honoka‘a Elementary and construction should start later this fall.

Lastly, repair work to the rock wall on the Honoka‘a High campus abutting Mamane street should finish this week to be followed by replacing the grass that was impacted by the work.