The first public school built like a shopping mall is taking shape on the Leeward Coast and is slated for a grand opening in January.

Ewa Makai Middle School is going up on 18.5 acres of land in Gentry's master-planned development of Ewa Makai.

“;It's like Kahala Mall versus Ala Moana Center,”; said Ewa Makai Principal-designate Ed Oshiro, noting that like Kahala a single roof and building will enclose three separate wings, compared with Ala Moana's open-air construction.

The air-conditioned school will accommodate about 700 students and alleviate cramped conditions at Ilima Intermediate School, described as the largest middle school in the state. Lunch breaks for Ilima's 1,350 students are staggered as the cafeteria can hold only 750 students.

The rapid residential development in the Ewa region also prompted a need for a second middle school.

While many are excited about the new school, some parents have mixed emotions. Many of the parents attended Ilima, said Dione Hulen, facilitator for the Parent Community Network Center.

Campbell-Kapolei complex-area Superintendent Vernon Young has yet to decide on the boundary lines between Ewa Makai and Ilima. The first option is to have students who live on the east side of Fort Weaver Road attend Ilima and students on the west side attend Ewa Makai. The second option is that those on the north attend Ewa Makai and those on the south, Ilima.

“;Right now the uncertainty has everyone on edge,”; said Paula Moore, parent representative on Ilima's School Community Council.

Geographic exception options for both schools will be available.

For Ilima Principal Jon Kitabayashi, the change is bittersweet as he could lose some teachers to Ewa Makai. “;I hired 80 percent of the teachers,”; he said. “;But things have to move.”;

Ewa Makai will include an amphitheater, courtyards and football and baseball fields. A physical education room and art and pottery lanai will fit under the single-story structure.

Oshiro, now principal of Keoneula Elementary School, plans to hire more than 40 teachers in a process starting next month.

Oshiro and his new staff will spend the 2010-2011 fall semester at Ilima with students headed for Ewa Makai. The purpose is to provide a seamless transition when students move to Ewa Makai after the winter break. The idea is for students to have the same teachers the entire school year.

On a recent afternoon, Oshiro walked through the construction site pointing to open spaces where the band room, dance room and a virtual reality-teleconference room will be located. His passion to provide students with innovative technology and programs was evident as he described his vision.

“;My mind races with the things to help kids learn,”; he said.

Construction of the school's third wing remains in limbo because of a spike in construction costs. The Department of Education is requesting $16.4 million from the Legislature for the third wing as well as a covered play court and additional furniture. “;It's our top CIP project on our budget,”; said Nick Nichols, state education facilities planner.

If funding comes through, Ewa Makai would take in 1,050 students—roughly 350 in each wing.

Ewa Makai is being built under the standards of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which will save up to $22,000 in annual utility costs.

Ewa Beach resident Petra Rembert said her son, Sean, is looking forward to attending the new school. The Remberts live in Soda Creek, a subdivision of Ewa by Gentry on the west side of Fort Weaver Road.

Old or new, Rembert said quality of education is the most important factor. “;Whatever school we build is secondary to me.”;