WAIMEA — A student at Waimea Canyon Middle School, apparently upset that a personal item had been allegedly stolen from him on Wednesday, brought a knife to school on Thursday morning and made some verbal threats, according to state officials.
WAIMEA — A student at Waimea Canyon Middle School, apparently upset that a personal item had been allegedly stolen from him on Wednesday, brought a knife to school on Thursday morning and made some verbal threats, according to state officials.
“Unfortunately this situation happened, but appropriate actions will be taken,” said Bill Arakaki, Kaua‘i complex superintendent at state Department of Education. Arakaki said it was an “isolated incident” which was quickly contained. School staff and the student’s teacher were able to calm down the student and take his knife away, before taking him to an office at the school.
A county press released Thursday states the student was “released to the authorities.” Arakaki said later in the day he wasn’t able to comment on that statement because of confidentiality issues.
“I just want to assure the public that the school is safe,” said Arakaki, adding that no one got hurt.
Some of the students asked to go home, and their parents were notified. Other students chose to return to class.
All students took home a letter from the school explaining the incident, the press release states. Arakaki said the school will be open today, and that school counselors have been offering support for students and staff, and will continue to do so.
Upon notification of the incident, the school’s Crisis Management Operation Team assembled to assess the situation and to take measures to ensure everyone’s safety, according to the release. Additionally, the Kaua‘i Police Department was contacted later Thursday morning and provided support, the release states.
The Garden Island was unable to reach the school’s staff for comment, due to the information being received after the school closed for the day.
