Kalanianaole school play court clears final environmental hurdle

All systems are go for a new covered play court at Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate School in Papaikou.

A finding of no significant impact in a final environmental assessment for the project was released Monday by the state Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.

According to plans, the structure will be approximately 10,200-square-feet and will provide one standard-sized high school basketball court, two smaller basketball courts, and two standard high school-sized volleyball courts. Occupant capacity for the building will be 150 people.

The Papaikou area averages about 160 inches of rain a year, and the project will provide a covered facility where students from kindergarten through eighth grade can engage in outdoor play during inclement weather and high outdoor temperatures. The structure also will serve as a covered, multi-purpose facility for school activities and functions.

Chain-link fencing 10-feet high around the exterior will provide ventilation and physical and visual security. The exterior finish will be protective metal siding and translucent fiberglass panels installed above the fencing.

The structure will not have restroom facilities but will be equipped with a fire alarm. Access for firefighter response is already available and a fire hydrant is nearby.

An existing outdoor play court will be demolished to accommodate construction of the new facility.

The price tag for the facility is an estimated $4 million and will be funded by the state.

Teachers and school administrators will schedule use of the play court by grade level, day and time.

Custodial staff will maintain the structure and open and secure the facility daily.

Construction is projected to commence in December 2023 and take about 10 months to complete.

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.