9 school ceilings
targeted for removal

A statewide survey finds 45 more
ceilings show signs of damage

Nine ceilings will be replaced at four public schools after signs of water damage and the presence of asbestos were revealed in a statewide survey prompted by the collapse of a classroom ceiling at Kailua Intermediate School in January.

Five plaster ceilings at Kaimuki High School will be replaced, along with two ceilings at McKinley High School and one ceiling each at Ala Wai Elementary and Baldwin High School on Maui.

Roughly 40,600 rooms in 3,800 buildings on public school campuses statewide have been visually inspected for plaster and water stains or signs of physical deterioration.

Along with the nine ceilings in need of immediate attention, 45 nonclassroom ceilings at 20 schools showed some signs of water or deterioration and need to be tested for asbestos.

Ceilings containing asbestos will be replaced. Those without it will receive in-depth inspections by structural engineers to determine their condition and potential risk. The structural inspections will take place over the summer and are expected to cost $665,000.

The 20 schools involved are Aliamanu Intermediate, Baldwin High, Farrington High, Hilo High, Hilo Intermediate, Kahuku High and Intermediate, Kaimuki High, Kalihi Kai Elementary, Kapalama Elementary, Kawananakoa Middle, Kipapa Elementary, Laie Elementary, Leilehua High, McKinley High, Mililani High, Moanalua High, Wahiawa Elementary, Waipahu Intermediate, Wheeler Elementary and Wheeler Middle.

Another 207 plaster ceilings at various schools showed water stains or deterioration, but previous tests have found no asbestos.