MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC), using funding from the Department of Defense (DOD) Public Schools on Military Installations (PSMI) Program, is set to award a $96 million grant to the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE). The HIDOE will use this grant to replace Mokapu Elementary School, located aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), in order to address the capacity and facility condition deficiencies that placed the school on the Deputy Secretary of Defense “Public Schools on Military Installations Priority List” at #33. This new facility will serve 975 military connected students in grades kindergarten through sixth.
The PSMI program, sanctioned by congressional authorization, provides funding to construct, renovate, repair or expand public schools located on military installations to address capacity and/or facility condition deficiencies as priorities by a Secretary of Defense-approved prioritized listing. This program of assistance is available by invitation only, based upon a school’s placement on the prioritized listing and the availability of appropriations.
Currently, Mokapu Elementary comprises of 12 permanent school buildings, majority of which were originally constructed in 1960, and 10 portable structures to supplement available classroom space. The school’s campus is on 14.2 acres of land and 813 students were enrolled during the 2021-22 school year. The new school, which will replace the existing structures, will include four new facilities. A two- story administration building will house office space as well as a library and two specialty classrooms. A multi-story building will house 55 classrooms and support spaces. The new facility will also include a cafeteria with a stage, and a covered play court. The total budget for the project is projected to be $120 million, $96 million coming from the PSMI grant and the remaining $24 million from state bond funds.
This new facility will provide the space necessary to meet the current and future demands of student enrollment while also implementing up to date technology and ensuring compliance with current building codes and standards. Current Mokapu Elementary facilities will remain operational as construction takes place.
MCBH enthusiastically supports the HIDOE’s reconstruction and expansion of Mokapu Elementary. The education of school-age dependents remains as one of the Base Commander’s top priorities. The use of the PSMI program is an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen the resiliency of our community and enhance the learning environment for our students and their teachers.
“We are excited that this project is moving ahead to provide students and staff at Mokapu Elementary with an array of brand new facilities that support high-quality learning environments and academic excellence,” said Keith Hayashi, interim superintendent for the Hawaii State Department of Education. “The Department of Defense continues to be a valuable partner in the improvement of our public schools located on military bases and we thank them tremendously for their support.”
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