Maui’s Puu Kukui Elementary celebrates 1st year

WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) - Hawaii’s newest school is celebrating its first year.

Puu Kukui Elementary opened last year with more than 500 central Maui students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Friday’s celebration included a dedication ceremony on the school’s central lawn.

Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi says staff and students have lived up to the school’s name, which means hill of enlightenment.

According to the Department of Education, the campus features an energy-efficient and environmentally conscious design, including photovoltaic panels and windows optimized to take advantage of trade winds.