'Aikahi Elementary School is feeling the heat as it continues efforts toward building a new sports and performance pavilion that will serve students, families and the broader community in Kailua.
The pre-Kindergarten through 6th grade school located near Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi was recently selected this year for a $9,594,409 Defense Community Infrastructure Program grant to be used for construction through the U.S. Department of War Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. The program aims to address deficiencies in community infrastructure that supports “service members and their families and the defense communities they live and work in,” per its website.
This marks the first DCIP grant obligated to the state Department of Education, says Candice Frontiera, a former 'Aikahi parent and DOE school renewal specialist for the Kailua-Kalāheo complex area. She adds that the school — which serves more than 450 students, 40% of whom are “military connected” — submitted its first grant proposal for the project in 2021, then again in 2023, 2024 and 2026.
“The perseverance of the parents and supporters has inspired me over the years,” Frontiera said, noting that Meagan Ostrem, a former 'Aikahi parent and MCBH director is “the original grant writer visionary.”
“We are so appreciative of the support of Col. DeTrinis, Congresswoman Jill Tokuda and state Superintendent Keith Hayashi for their valuable support of this project,” Frontiera continued.
In late September, the DOE, MCBH and OLDCC came together to approve the project that would add an outdoor covered area with raised performance stage, sports courts, a quarter-mile path, solar powered lighting, bathrooms and more; however, access to the DCIP grant is contingent upon the school covering all design-related costs estimated at $580,000.
In response, the 'Aikahi Parent-Teacher Association is spearheading fundraising for the project. Frontiera says that thanks to the generosity of the Harold K. Castle Foundation and Chamberlin Family Philanthropy, their overall goal is now $370,000 by March 2027. She notes that students are involved, too, and they will start selling Mānoa Chocolate this month with half of the proceeds going toward the cause.
“We are actively seeking partners who share our belief that children deserve safe, welcoming and functional spaces where they can learn, gather and thrive,” wrote Alyson Hanson, a current 'Aikahi parent and community advocate. “The response from our community has been extraordinary. In just a short period of time, families, friends and supporters have rallied together and raised significant funds toward the match requirement. The enthusiasm has exceeded expectations, and additional fundraising efforts and grant requests are underway.”
Hanson adds that parents, local businesses and nonprofits, philanthropic and professional partners have shown up for keiki, the community and future generations. For example, her husband, among other parents, have contributed their time and talents toward the planning phase, offering preliminary designs and renderings, feasibility studies and cost estimates.
When asked about timelines for the pavilion project, Frontiera is hopeful for a fall 2031 completion date.
“The DCIP funds were obligated to us, not awarded yet, so everything has to be paid within five years from now, otherwise we could lose the funds. Plus, there’s no extensions,” she explained. “We’re trying to target this year and next year for the design phase and construction will take a full year after the few months when [DOE’s Facilities Development Branch] goes out to bid. You know it takes a while to get permits here in Hawaiʻi … so we’re trying to leave a yearlong buffer for things like that and punch list items.”
So far, the 'Aikahi PTA’s approach to fundraising has also included writing letters to potential donors, applying for grants, and getting the word out via media outlets. The parent group is gearing up for its annual Rock the Dock fundraiser on Nov. 14 at the Kāneʻohe Yaht Club to raise funds for student programs, activities, events and opportunities. Details.
“As a new principal, I'm incredibly excited to celebrate receiving this generous grant, which will provide meaningful support for our students for years to come,” 'Aikahi Elementary School Principal Ann Berg told ASD by email. “As the spouse of a retired military member, I also know firsthand the profound impact strong, supportive communities have on student resilience. This funding is a wonderful investment in our children's future and our community as a whole.”
Ostrem adds that this project is important to military-family quality of life — and that shared infrastructure is essential to both community well-being and mission assurance.
“Reliable, safe, and welcoming school-community facilities help those families establish support networks during a high-mobility military life [so] Marines and Sailors can remain focused on training, deployments and mission requirements,” she says.
For 'Aikahi PTA member Amy Teseo and parent of three, the proposed improvements would mean keeping students on campus and out of the sun or rain for recreation times, while connecting kids through sports and special gatherings.
“I began seeing the greater negative impact of our lacking facilities — assemblies, winter performances, May Day, and countless other special moments were constantly being modified or scaled down because there simply wasn’t a place for our entire school to gather,” Teseo said in a statement. “It bothered me to my core. I dream of my youngest daughter being able to one day graduate under the protection of this pavilion. These are the moments our children will remember, and they deserve a space, on their own campus, where those memories can happen.”
Learn more or donate to 'Aikahi Elementary School's sports and performance pavilion project, here. Follow the school's Instagram for updates.
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
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