Paia Breaks Ground on New Cafeteria 6 Years After Fire

By Wendy Osher

State officials will gather on Maui on Monday to celebrate the groundbreaking and construction of a long awaited new cafeteria at Pa‘ia Elementary School.

A fire six years ago destroyed the school’s 70-year-old cafeteria building, forcing students to eat their lunches in shifts in a smaller building on campus.

In 2008, Senate President Tsutsui, who was then the Vice- Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means and responsible for preparing the state’s capital improvement program budget, worked together with Senator J. Kalani English, to secure legislative funding for the construction of a new cafeteria.

“While there have been many challenges and setbacks associated with this project, I am very pleased that the day has finally come to break ground on the new cafeteria,” said Tsutsui.  “This facility will not only benefit students by allowing them to eat together, but will also provide an additional gathering place for the community,” he said.

The cafeteria is expected to be completed in November 2012 and will include a small prep kitchen and convection oven.

Established in 1908, Pa‘ia Elementary School is located on Maui’s north shore and serves students from grades K-5.

*** Check back for video and photographs from Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony.