Tight military Most Hawaii public schools on military bases are scheduled to remain closed today while classes for students on Big Island resumed this morning.
security keeps
some schools shut
The measures prevent staff
members from getting to campusesBy Crystal Kua
ckua@starbulletin.comClosed are Hale Kula, Solomon, Wheeler, Shafter, Iroquois Point, Hickam and Mokulele elementary schools and Wheeler Intermediate School.
Also Nimitz Elementary, which was open yesterday, is not located on a military installation but will be closed for security reasons because the back of the school opens into Pearl Harbor naval base, Department of Education spokesman Greg Knudsen said.
The department is beginning to talk about what to do should these schools be closed for a prolonged period of time.
"We're talking about it, but we're hoping that once security measures are met that maybe more of those schools will reopen," Knudsen said.
Makalapa Elementary is also closed for unrelated reasons.
Mokapu Elementary, located on the Marine base in Kaneohe, reopened today after arrangements were made for school staff to pass through the base gates.Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim ordered Big Island schools closed yesterday but the schools will reopen today.
The heightened security at Oahu military bases made it difficult for staff to get to the public schools on base. "If there is no access to the base we can't get our staff to the schools," Knudsen said.
State officials also responded to criticism that most public schools remained open instead of being closed.
Knudsen said that for many students, the schools provided a safe haven during a time like this.
"We do feel that the schools provide a safe and secure and familiar setting for the students, and the staff is there to provide emotional support for the students," he said. "It's something that I'm seeing in all of the reports -- restore normalcy across the nation. There are schools systems operating across the country."
Knudsen said that because schools were open attendance was expected, but parents may have chosen not to send their children to school.
"We respect their position and we need to make whatever decision is best for their children," Knudsen said. "If a parent is insisting that a child stay home for a day or two, we will be taking that into consideration."
