School to reopen now that lava not threatening

Plans are underway to reopen Keone­poko Elementary School, which was closed 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 school in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision in Pahoa 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 Keaau High School’s 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 schools Superintendent Kathryn Mata­yo­shi in a news 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 Kau-Keaau-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.