Kalama Intermediate clears environmental assessment hurdle for new administration building

Construction of a new $10.9 million modular administration building at Kalama Intermediate School may begin within six months, according to a final environmental assessment posted today by the state Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.

The state Department of Education project also received a “finding of no significant impact,” an environmental review that paves the way for construction to move forward at the Upcountry campus. Project costs include site earthwork, construction, labor and utilities installation on a little more than half an acre of open lawn with a few trees on the northeast portion of the school.

The project involves the installation of a new two-story, approximately 15,000-square foot modular building with staff offices, conference rooms, a health room and staff lounge. The 43-foot-wide, 181-foot-long building would be used by faculty and staff.

“The proposed administration building is intended to consolidate the school’s administrative programs under a new facility and free up existing spaces for other educational or program uses,” the assessment says. “The project will also involve constructing connecting pathways, landscaping, and providing extensions for the existing electrical communications, water, sewer, and drainage utilities to service the building.”

Prepared by Bowers + Kubota Consulting, the assessment examines in detail likely environmental impacts stemming from the project at the campus located at 120 Makani Road in Makawao. The school with more than 900 students is south of Eddie Tam Memorial Park and between Hale Kipa Road and homes to the east.

The study included assessments of the project site’s topography, climate, water resources, air quality and potential noise impacts. Natural hazards examined included the potential for flooding, impacts from tropical storms and hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires.

The assessment found no historic sites or cultural resources at the school. During construction, best management practices would ensure building doesn’t disturb cultural resources in the surrounding area.

The consultants said the project would not have a substantial adverse impact on endangered, threatened or rare species of birds or other animals currently protected under federal or state law.