Ask the Mayor: When Will Maui Waena’s Science Building Be Completed?

Maui Waena, file photo by Wendy Osher.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the questions submitted to his office staff. Submit your own questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email at AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, call 270-7855 or send them by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.

Aloha Mayor Arakawa,

Q: What is the timeframe for the construction of the new science building at Maui Waena Intermediate School? Maui Waena is the biggest intermediate school on the island and needs more than just a row of permanent, portable classrooms to meet the increasing enrollment. I realize much of the logistics are a state matter; however, I think the issue needs to be addressed by a local representative.

Thank you in advance for researching this concern, and I look forward to reading your response. 

A: According to school administrators, the current completion date for Maui Waena’s new science building is September 2016. That being said, it should be noted that the state Department of Education, the state Department of Accounting and General Services, the contractor, architect and even county permitting staff are all working hard to expedite the project in the hopes of receiving a certificate of occupancy prior to the start of the new school year in late July.