Plans advance for North Shore school

PUHI — It was Jake Lambden’s first time testifying in front of the county planning commission, but the Pu’ukumu student said it was worth it to show support for his school.

“I’m a happy student at Pu’ukumu, and I support the building of the high school,” Lambden said. “I look forward to going there.”

Lambden was one of 11 people who testified in support of a middle and high school along the mauka side of Kuhio Highway in Kilauea.

In their Tuesday meeting, the planning commission approved the zoning, use, and special permits for the project.

The 21,500-square-foot building is expected to house 180 students and 15 faculty members. The plan calls for off-street parking with 75 stalls.

“We’re excited and overwhelmed with the decision,” said Robin Botkin, co-director of Pu’ukumu.

The next step is to complete the building permit and break ground later this spring.

Both Botkin and her director counterpart, Sharon Goodman, said community support has been strong.

Neighbor Parker Croft said he would have been grateful for the school when he was raising his four kids.

“The North Shore needs a facility like this,” Croft said.

North Shore resident Bob Smith, said he’s been working with the school and is impressed with its leadership.

“It’s an exceptional resource to the North Shore and is much needed,” Smith said. “Your approval will ensure Pu’ukumu will have a positive impact on the North Shore.”

Pu’ukumu school was founded in 2013 by Anna Olvera and Bill Porter and is a private, independent middle and high school that serves families from Haena to Kapaa.

The school combines a college-prep curriculum with experiential instruction and is a reduced tuition school, with tuition costing $350 a month. According to Botkin, the Porters subsidize a large portion of the tuition, so parents only have to pay about half of what it actually costs.

“Our goal is to become an intricate part of the community,” Botkin said.