FEATURE STORY: U.S. SENATOR DANIEL K. INOUYE ATTENDS DEDICATION CEREMONY OF NEW KAIMUKI HIGH SCHOOL COMPUTER LAB
Computer lab project marks a new direction for Hawaii 3R’s
Honolulu – On Monday, August 18, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye attended a dedication ceremony for a new computer lab at Kaimuki High School. Also attending were area legislators, Department of Education officials, and the Hawaii 3R’s board of directors.
According to Senator Inouye, “If science and math are indeed priorities, we must step up and support an investment in the tools necessary for our students to achieve success in these areas. This new computer lab demonstrates that when community comes together, we can make a difference.”
While Hawaii 3R’s will continue to address repair and maintenance projects at public schools, it is also preparing to address other specific areas of need, like computer labs and science labs. The Kaimuki High School project included asbestos floor tile removal, installation of carpet tiles, replacement of lights, and the painting of walls and ceiling – all of which are within the scope of previous Hawaii 3R’s projects. However, it also included the fabrication and installation of the teacher’s desk and student workstations, installation of a LAN cabinet, installation of contractor- donated air conditioners, and the installation of business-donated computers, which really transformed a regular classroom into a sleek, modern computer lab.
Alan Oshima, vice chairman of Hawaii 3R’s, said, “We have found that companies and organizations are enthusiastic about supporting projects that are directly related to their area of business with the potential to make Hawaii’s students ready for the challenges of today’s workplace.”
Among the contributors to the successful project, Punaluu Builders designed the computer lab and also donated two split air conditioners for the lab and a window unit for the office. Referentia Systems donated the computers for the updated facility. The project was also possible because the room had recently received an electrical upgrade by the Department of Education.
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In 2001, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye began an initiative called Hawaii 3R’s (Repair, Remodel, and Restore Hawaii’s public schools). Working with State agencies, trade unions, businesses, the military, community leaders, parents, teachers, and students, the goal is to match State, federal, and private funds with volunteerism – “sweat equity” – both skilled and unskilled, to complete repair and maintenance projects at a significantly lower cost.
Since 2001, Hawaii 3R’s has awarded 380 grants to 167 different public schools statewide totaling over $11.5 million for repair and maintenance projects. The State estimates that it would have cost approximately $27.7 million to complete these projects on its own. Since Hawaii 3R’s has received only $2.9 million in State funds over this same period, it can be calculated that Hawaii 3R’s has saved the State over $24.8 million in seven years.
Hawaii 3R’s receives funding from the State and Federal governments. It has also received private funding from many organizations and individuals, including the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, Hawaii Community Foundation, Campbell Estate and the James and Abigail Campbell Foundation, Central Pacific Bank, American Savings Bank, Prudential Locations, Armstrong Builders, Quill Group, Maui Land and Pineapple Company, and the Pierce Brosnan Family Trust.
Hawaii 3R’s awards grants to proactive public schools that step forward with enthusiastic volunteers, business support, and/or private contributions of equal or greater value to the requested grant amount.
For more information, please visit our website at www.hawaii3rs.com.