Nearly Half of Hawai'i Schools Face Unreliable Fire Alarms Despite Recent Progress
Nearly half of Hawai'i's public schools are operating with aging and unreliable fire alarm systems, according to a recent report from the state education department. While significant progress has been made in recent years, with only three schools currently having alarms in critical, broken, or significantly impaired condition (Hilo Intermediate, Waikele Elementary, and Pāhoa High and Intermediate School), 120 schools have systems in 'poor condition' due to age, recurring issues, or outdated parts. Another 73 schools have alarms in 'fair condition,' requiring future maintenance. Five schools, including the three in critical condition, are currently on fire watch, necessitating staff patrols for fire signs. This situation marks an improvement from 2023, when over two dozen schools had critically impaired alarms. The state legislature has allocated over $85 million for health and safety construction projects, including fire alarms, in the current budget, though past funding has been inconsistent. 
