PULELEHUA, MAUI (Aug. 13, 2024) - Lahaina native Miss Hawaii USA 2024 Breea Yamat led this morning’s playground dedication ceremony at the King Kamehameha III Elementary School temporary site in Pulelehua. The event occurred just in time for morning recess where students excitedly played on the new equipment.
“At our original campus on Front Street there were multiple structures for our students to play on,” said King Kamehameha III Elementary School Principal Ian Haskins. “To get two new state of the art play structures, here at our new temporary site, will bring a sense of normalcy and joy. Schools and kids need playgrounds. It is where children learn many developmental skills.”
Joining the playground and financial donors at Tuesday’s event were Mayor Richard Bissen, Maui Senator Troy Hashimoto, Maui Representative Justin Woodson, Maui Board of Education member Kahele Dukelow, Hawaii State Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi and other West Maui school leaders.
“Playgrounds aren’t just fun for the kids. Playgrounds are essential for their physical health, mental health, social skills, creativity and learning,” said Superintendent Hayashi who thanked the donors for their support.
Two companies donated playground equipment - Berliner and Playworld. Maui United Way and Public Schools Hawaii Foundation donated funds to build the playgrounds.
“We are honored that this school is the first in the world to receive this playground design structure on its campus,” said David Koehler, Managing Owner, Berliner Play Equipment Corporation. “With its many play functions, we hope this playground will bring lots of joy and laughter to the students.”
Hawaii 3R’s facilitated the playground donations.
“Almost a week ago, we reflected on the one-year anniversary of the devastating wildfires that destroyed Lahaina. Having these playgrounds at the temporary school is an important piece in helping to engage students and in bringing some fun on campus,” said Kalowena Komeiji, Hawaii 3Rs executive director.
The Berliner playground is a WaggaWagga design valued at $250,000, and freight costing $18,000. The Playworld Systems playground equipment is valued at $60,000, with freight costing $10,000.
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About Hawaii 3R’s
Founded in 2001 by the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Hawaii 3R’s is a nonprofit committed to helping to Repairing, Remodeling and Restoring public schools, hence Hawaii 3Rs. It has completed more than 500 projects at schools across the state, resulting in a savings to the state of more than $40 million in repair and maintenance costs. Hawaii 3R’s leverages “sweat equity” provided by volunteer help with cash donations to address the repair and maintenance backlog facing Hawaii’s public schools.
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