Over 2,000 students absent from school due to Lahaina wildfire.
The Devastating Impact of West Maui Wildfires on Lahaina’s Public Schools
The Hawaii State Department of Education (HDOE) has recently released a report that sheds light on the aftermath of the West Maui wildfires. The report reveals that over 2,000 students are missing from Lahaina’s public school enrollment, a direct consequence of the wildfires that ravaged the area, claiming the lives of at least 115 individuals and leaving hundreds unaccounted for.
In a letter to the state Board of Education Chairman Warren Haruki, HDOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi acknowledged the significant impacts of the Lahaina wildfires on West Maui communities and schools in the Lahainaluna complex. The Aug. 8 wildfire caused extensive damage to several schools, including King Kamehameha III Elementary School, Princess Nahienaena Elementary School, Lahaina Intermediate School, and Lahainaluna High School.
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The state DOE report highlights that King Kamehameha III Elementary School remains closed due to significant structural damage, while Princess Nahienaena Elementary School, Lahaina Intermediate School, and Lahainaluna High School have sustained wind, debris, ash, and soot damage. These schools are currently closed for water safety and environmental quality concerns, awaiting official clearance.
According to the report, the Lahainaluna complex had a total enrollment of 3,001 students, including 327 staff members, as of Aug. 9, 2023. Since the Lahaina fire, 538 students have re-enrolled in other public schools, and 438 have opted for the state distance learning program.
‘Children Passed’
However, the report reveals that a staggering number of 2,025 students have yet to re-enroll in another public school or choose distance learning. It remains unclear whether these students have moved out of state or enrolled in private schools.
The HDOE is currently focused on meeting the short-term needs of the affected students and staff. Efforts include providing mental health support information, installing air quality monitors, and establishing a Maui support hotline. Various options, such as in-person, tele-health, and virtual medical services, are also being offered.
On Aug. 25, the names of 388 residents still missing in the Lahaina fire were released by Hawaii officials. Although the number of unaccounted individuals has decreased to 850, including many children, it remains a tragic situation.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green, a Democrat, described the devastating impact on West Maui schools during an interview with CBS News’ Face The Nation. He mentioned that King Kamehameha Elementary School in Lahaina was completely destroyed, emphasizing the urgent need for support and recovery efforts.
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