Isle schools fix
fire infractionsAlthough most have corrected
their problems, some Oahu schools
have unresolved violationsSchools with violations
Most schools that flunked fire safety inspections last year have corrected their problems, but 10 private and four public schools on Oahu still have outstanding violations as the new school year starts, fire officials said.
During a second round of inspections, St. Louis School's fire alarm system still wasn't working, for example, and Hanahauoli School's sprinkler system also failed its test, Battalion Chief Lloyd Rogers of the Honolulu Fire Department said Friday.
Among public schools, the fire alarm systems at Kahuku High School and Nanakuli High and Intermediate both are showing signs of trouble, according to Richard Soo, school fire safety manager. Kahuku's alarm system is supposed to be replaced next year, and Nanakuli recently put in a repair work order.
St. Louis also has been working to get its alarm system up to code, Rogers said. Hanahauoli School was closed for vacation last week, and officials couldn't be reached.
Overall, the Department of Education's track record on fire safety has improved in recent years, with 84 percent of schools passing inspections during the last school year, up from 76 percent in 2001-2002 and 69 percent the previous year.
"I think they're making progress," Rogers said. "I have seen a more concerted effort on the part of DOE to have the schools come into compliance."
Fifty of the 254 public schools inspected statewide last year and 55 of the 258 private schools inspected on Oahu failed to pass inspection. The fire code is strict, and even minor errors can flunk a school.
"You have to have the cooperation of everybody, because one extension cord could cause the whole school to fail," Rogers said.
Most violations are easily corrected. Typically, they involve missing signs, misuse of power strips and extension cords, and fire extinguishers that haven't been maintained.
Soo, a former fire captain hired in February to manage school fire safety, said he and others are working to educate teachers and staff about the fire code. Many people don't realize that heat-generating appliances, such as microwaves or coffee pots, must be plugged directly into the wall, he said. Fire extinguishers need annual maintenance, and should be properly mounted without obstructions.
"My presence is to ensure that fire safety is a day-to-day thing occurring at our schools, not just during the fire inspection period," Soo said. "Teachers and staff can be the eyes and ears for what is right on campus and what is not right."
Safety managers recently completed training and will be issuing notices of violations on public school campuses where they are deployed, he said. The four public schools with outstanding violations all have submitted work orders to have the problems fixed.
State Department of Education
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Oahu schools with
violations during
secondary inspections
Private Schools
>> St. Louis School, fire alarm system not working>> Maili Bible School, fire alarm system not working, exit obstruction, fire drill log not up-to-date, electrical violations
>> Hanahauoli School, automatic sprinkler system failed test
>> Hawaiian Mission Elementary and Intermediate School, inadequate exit signs, improper use of extension cords
>> Kawaiahao School, improper use of extension cords
>> Kula Kokua/Salvation Army, fire drill log not up-to-date
>> Messiah Lutheran School, improper use of extension cords
>> Our Lady of Good Counsel School, improper use of extension cords and improper storage
>> St. Ann's School, no recorded fire drills
>>Windward Nazarene Academy, fire drill log not up to date
Public Schools
>> Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, fire alarm system in trouble mode, fire extinguisher needed in broadcast booth>> Waianae High School, inadequate signs, gym needs fire extinguisher
>> Castle High School, fire extinguishers need maintenance, extension cords used as permanent wiring for wood shop
>> Kahuku High School, fire alarm system in trouble mode
Sources: Honolulu Fire Department, Department of Education
