Lahainaluna ʻOhana,

I wanted to update you all about what happened today, and the procedures and steps taken by the school.

Today during Period 4, school administration became aware of an electrical fire at the solar panels near campus. Emergency services were called and the school moved into a “Shelter in Place” scenario. Under this scenario, students were kept in classes while administration gathered information and notified Complex and State offices. In class, normal instruction/routines continued until further information was disseminated to staff.

Administrators and our School Resource Officer (MPD SRO) met with responding Maui Fire Department officials to keep abreast of the developing situation. Our SRO was in contact with MPD to make certain an evacuation route and site were available, and that officers would be able to assist in the case we would need to leave campus. Our Complex Area and State offices were in communication with school personnel to assist in any way needed, especially transportation and communication. Air Quality sensors were monitored to ensure safe conditions for all students and staff. Once it was determined that the fire was extinguished and posed no threat to campus and the safety of our students and staff, the ”All Clear” was given and the school day continued. For the next 48 hours, out of an overabundance of caution, the Department of Education will post a firewatch to continue to monitor the area.

The school has debriefed the response, and while there were a couple of challenges with internal communication systems, I want to commend the administrative team, staff, and students for their compliance with the protocols in place for just such a situation. During the incident, I was unfortunately off-campus at the Maui District Office in Kahului meeting with our Complex Area Superintendent (CAS). While communicating with our Lahainaluna administration and CAS, and seeing our CAS engage with Complex and State level personnel, I gained greater confidence in the tri-level response between the School, Complex, and State in emergency situations like today.

I know for everyone this was an emotional experience given what’s happened, and I’m so sorry that our students, families, and staff had to go through this today. I do however take comfort in the overall response by Lahainaluna staff in ensuring our kids were safe and protected, and that contingency options were being readied should the situation have escalated.

Thank you all and have a safe evening,

Richard