KALIHI — The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE), local leaders and alumni broke ground on a $60 million construction project to build a three-story, multi-purpose building that will house Farrington High School’s new gymnasium, music facilities, locker rooms and physical education spaces to serve the school’s nearly 2,100 students. Construction by contractor Ralph S. Inouye Co. Ltd. is anticipated to be completed in 2027.

“This new gym and music facility will give our students modern, high-quality spaces that support athletics, arts and physical education,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “Each phase of this long-term effort is about more than buildings. It’s creating opportunities and investing in our students’ futures. We’re grateful to our legislators, community leaders, businesses and proud Farrington alumni for helping make this vision a reality.”

The new gym and music building will be built over the current swimming pool site on the Diamond Head side of campus. Originally constructed in 1955, the pool has remained out of service since 1998 due to extensive repairs and continual maintenance needed.

“When people at the state, county and businesses invest in this community, it sends a message to every child who’s going to Farrington that people care about you,” Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke said. “And because of that, we expect the most from this community, the school and the students.”

The project is part of a long-term, multi-phased modernization plan to renovate and reconfigure the 94-year old campus. Phase I saw the completion of the Edward “Skippa” Diaz Stadium and new training facilities, renovation of the Henry Kusunoki Football Field, and installation of a new synthetic running track in 2017. Phase II will now continue work with the gymnasium and music building. Future phases are contingent on capital improvement funding.


Artist’s rendering of the future gymnasium interior.

Artist’s rendering of the future gymnasium & music building exterior.