Molokai High School begins $18.7M gym renovation to reinforce shelter

Molokai High School held a blessing to begin an $18.7 million renovation that will modernize its 21,000-square-foot gym and reinforce it to serve as a hurricane shelter, with funding from the state Department of Education and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

Molokai High School marked the start of construction on major renovations to its gymnasium with a blessing ceremony on campus in Ho'olehua. The 21,000-square-foot gym known as "The Barn" will be modernized for student athletics and strengthened to function as a hurricane shelter. The project is a joint effort between the Hawaii Department of Education and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Work is intended to improve everyday school use while providing a reinforced refuge during severe storms. Project details: - The total construction cost is $18.7 million, with HIEMA providing $10.3 million (about 55%) and the DOE covering $8.4 million. - Renovations include structural strengthening, a new steel roof deck and columns, and an emergency generator enclosure to meet modern construction standards. - Facility upgrades will replace windows, louvers and doors, and improve locker rooms, showers, wrestling and training rooms, storage and office space. - Accessibility and systems work will add a new elevator and covered walkway, expand ADA access, install new wood flooring and paint, and upgrade plumbing, electrical and fire alarm systems. - HIEMA reports the upgraded shelter will be able to provide refuge for roughly 790 residents during severe weather. Summary: The renovation is intended to update athletic and school spaces while also reinforcing the gym to serve the community in storms, combining education and emergency-preparedness goals. Construction is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.