The Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) has reported recent advancements in the maintenance and replacement of fire alarm systems across multiple schools, as shared in a memo by Interim Deputy Superintendent of Operations Randolph G. Moore.
These improvements aim to reduce reliance on manual fire watch protocols by restoring or updating existing alarm systems.
According to the department, fifteen schools have successfully transitioned off the fire watch list since April 2024, including three schools that had been on manual fire watch plans for over five years.
This progress is part of the DOE’s commitment to ensuring that facility safety systems meet operational standards, as outlined in the Strategic Plan Goal 3.1.2.
The recent upgrades and repairs involve substantial changes to outdated equipment, such as replacing obsolete fire alarm panels.
Specific examples include upgrades at Kainalu Elementary, where repairs were completed on May 10, 2024, and Konawaena Elementary, with completed updates as of June 21, 2024.
These schools, among others, no longer require fire watch plans, reflecting the DOE’s efforts to ensure compliance and safety.
Additionally, the DOE has collaborated with the county fire departments and other agencies to maintain regulatory standards and expand fire safety strategies.
The DOE also noted its pilot program using wearable fire alarm devices initially implemented at Kapalama Elementary in March 2024.
Due to the system’s successful restoration, this program was temporarily paused at Kapalama and is scheduled for Kealakehe High School to continue supporting fire safety.
To further address ongoing maintenance needs, the DOE has requested $22.5 million in funding for the fiscal year 2025 to support system replacements and continue operational improvements in schools requiring additional safety measures.
The DOE has outlined several upcoming steps in its fire alarm system plan, which include the expansion of the wearable device initiative at Kealakehe High, collaboration with state officials for project funding, and ongoing monitoring of fire alarm systems across all schools.
According to the department, monitoring will focus on schools that remain on the fire watch list, ensuring that system updates are prioritized to maintain school safety effectively.
The Hawaii Department of Education reported advancements in the operability of fire alarm systems at state schools, reducing the number of facilities on manual fire watch.
Since April 2024, fifteen schools were removed from the fire watch list, marking a safety improvement milestone.
Key upgrades were made at schools including Kainalu and Konawaena Elementary, with repairs finalized on long-outdated equipment.
A pilot wearable device initiative launched at Kapalama Elementary will continue at Kealakehe High.
The department is also working with state and county officials to secure $22.5 million in deferred maintenance funding for further upgrades.
Monitoring and additional system prioritization remain integral to the DOE’s safety strategy.
