Blessing Marks 1st Phase of Construction for New Kīhei High School

GBI employee Morris Ah Nee showed Senator Roz Baker some of the construction equipment that will be used in phase one of the high school’s construction.

A private blessing was held at the site of the new Kīhei High School, marking the beginning of the first phase of construction, which is expected to take about a year and half to complete.

The blessing was hosted by Goodfellow Bros., Inc. and included a blessing by Kahu Kalani Wong.

The event, on Friday, July 27, included a blessing of the site’s base yard, workers, as well as the four corners of the school’s property.

“I was honored to be invited to participate in this special blessing,” said Senator Roz Baker. “GBI is unlike any other construction contractor – they believe in blessing their staff and the work site before commencing on a project. Adding to the specialness of the occasion was what this project means to our South Maui community and to the students who will be educated here. This is a true milestone.”

The project’s first phase consists of the infrastructure, which includes all the pipes, roads and grading.

Senator Roz Baker thanked GBI employees for their role in helping to realize this important project for the South Maui community.

Designs have been completed, and Goodfellow Bros., Inc. won the contract for infrastructure improvements.

Phase two will include classroom hale, an administration building, a hale that includes the library and cafeteria, a physical education room, two parking lots, a clay court and temporary play field.

The third phase includes a gymnasium and other hale for electives such as music, industrial arts, visual arts and digital arts. The school will also have a track, outdoor basketball courts and tennis courts.

File image.

Senator Baker noted that phase two was recently put out to bid; however, there is a bid protest so the successful bidder has not been determined. “The good news is that the protest will not delay Phase 1 and the project is moving forward. South Maui is getting its new DOE high school,” said Senator Baker.

The future high school is anticipated to open for the 2021-22 school year.