MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAIʻI — Mōkapu Elementary School celebrated the grand opening of its newly rebuilt campus today, marking the completion of the first phase of a full campus reconstruction project. Students and staff welcomed lawmakers, military partners and community members with a blessing and dedication ceremony, student performances and guided tours of the new facilities.
“With support from our federal partners, the state of Hawai‘i, and the military community here at Mōkapu, we were able to make long-term investments that will benefit students for many years to come,” Hawaiʻi State Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “What we’re celebrating today is a school that’s better equipped for how teaching and learning happen now — spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity and a sense of belonging, while also honoring the role this campus plays in the broader community.”
The first phase of the approximately $147 million project replaced the original campus built in 1960 with modern learning environments designed to support 21st-century teaching and learning. New facilities include a two-story administration and library building, as well as a two- and three-story classroom complex featuring 55 classrooms and support spaces with capacity for nearly 1,000 students. The buildings were constructed on an open section of the 14.2-acre campus that previously served as playfields, a running track and outdoor courts.
Mōkapu Elementary Principal Brett Matsukawa expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of school staff and complex area, state, federal, military and construction partners. “This beautiful new building isn’t the whole story,” Matsukawa said. “The real story is about the people — the people who went way beyond their job description, the people who volunteered their time, stayed late, and did whatever it took to make this transition seamless. They didn’t do it for the recognition. They did it for our students. They are the hearts and hands I need to thank today.”
Construction began in Jan. 2023, with the former campus remaining fully operational throughout the build. Classroom operations are transitioning into the new facilities following winter break.
The second phase of the project will include demolition of the old campus to make way for a new cafetorium, covered playcourts, a learning courtyard and additional parking.
The project was supported by grants from the Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, which provided approximately $116.5 million — about 80 percent of the total project cost — with matching state funds covering the remaining 20%.
Originally opened in 1960, Mōkapu Elementary School is the only public elementary school located on Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi, a U.S. Navy installation. The HIDOE school primarily serves military-dependent students from Marine families and currently enrolls more than 780 students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, supported by approximately 130 faculty and staff.
