The Department of Education plans to reopen Keonepoko Elementary School, which was shut down in October as lava from Kilauea Volcano threatened the Puna District.

The Department of Education announced Monday it will begin the planning process to reopen the Hawaiian Beaches school now that there is no longer imminent threat.

The DOE closed the school in October when it appeared lava would cross Highway 130, and a temporary facility was built in the Kea’au High lower parking lot.The closure affected 1,700 students and 300 employees.

"Many families were affected by our contingency plans to safeguard access to education and we appreciate their cooperation and understanding through all of it," said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi in a press release. "We now have a ton of details to work out before making any official announcement on dates or assignments, however it is important to let families and staff know where we stand. The decision to reopen Keonepoko Elementary extends beyond just the facility. 

We want to be very thoughtful about our approach."

The DOE said principals in the Ka’u, Kea’au, Pahoa complex area and DOE administrators will begin to "map out a course of action steps," by May for next school year.

"We continue to evaluate what all possible futures might be for the education of children within Puna and are thinking not just about the current situation, but how to provide quality education to all of the families in our area for years to come," Complex Area Superintendent Chad Farias said.