$25.9M Released for New King Kekaulike Auditorium

The north entrance of King Kekaulike High School is located along the Old Haleakalā Highway in Pukalani. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

More than $25 million was released for Department of Education capital improvement projects on Maui, including a majority $25.85 million for a new auditorium at King Kekaulike High School, and $75,000 for pedestrian safety improvements at Lahaina Intermediate School.

The funds were part of a larger $65.6 million funding released announced by the governor’s office for CIP eduction projects across the state.

“This is an investment in our keiki and our strengthening economy,” said Governor Abercrombie in announcing the funding release. The latest release brings to $600 million the total funds released by the administration for education improvements in Hawaiʻi.

Senator J. Kalani English of Maui, who represents the district where King Kekaulike is located, said he is pleased with the funding. “These funds will ensure students have the appropriate infrastructure for an inviting learning environment and experience during performing arts programs and assembly functions,” said Senator English in a statement today.

Senator English said both himself and Representative Kyle Yamashita of Maui worked to secure the funds to get the project off the ground.

“Once the auditorium is complete, it will be a great asset to the community, and I am happy to see that it is moving forward. The most valuable investment we can make is in our kids’ education, and this includes upgrading and improving infrastructure for better learning environments,” he said.

The school currently uses its cafeteria stage and student dining area for performing arts and assembly-type functions, according to information released by the governor’s office.

“The new auditorium will be a standalone structure and will provide support for performing arts and music programs at the school,” the announcement said.

In West Maui, $75,000 was released for pedestrian safety improvements at Lahaina Intermediate, that includes design funds for safe crosswalk placement, an island for pedestrians within the wide driveway, and improvements for proper drainage.