McKinley High School has initiated the construction of a new $24 million athletic complex, an investment aimed at bolstering its sports programs and engaging the local community. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Wednesday, drawing education officials, local legislators, and advocates of prep sports.
As noted by Spectrum Local News, the collaborative effort behind the project involves the design expertise of G70 and the construction capabilities of Nan, Inc., with an expected completion by September 2026. Principal Ron Okamura, in his address, recognized the support extended by former state Reps. Scott Saiki and Scott Nishimoto, also, Sen. Sharon Moriwaki, in pushing forward the upgrade of the school’s athletic infrastructure.
The upcoming complex is set to house more than 2,400 bleacher seats, alongside contemporary facilities including restrooms, a ticket booth, and a press box on the rooftop for an enhanced spectator experience, "We hope this facility will inspire student-athletes to go for gold and bring Tiger Pride to their classmates and their ‘ohana. This stadium’s reach goes beyond McKinley. It will be a center of activity for the surrounding neighborhood to be a part of and enjoy," Superintendent Keith Hayashi told KHON2.
The new structure benefits both fans and athletes. Underneath the bleachers, it will feature a boy’s physical education locker room, weight training facilities, and locker rooms for male and female athletes, as well as coaches’ offices, storage spaces, and an equipment room. The upgrades also include enhanced internet connectivity across the campus. "The McKinley community has been waiting a long time for this facility. It is uplifting to witness everyone’s hard work come to fruition today," Okamura shared, according to Spectrum Local News.
The groundbreaking was also marked by a traditional blessing from McKinley High teacher and Hawaiiana educator Kumu Kuaʻanaʻai Lewis, who brought a cultural significance to the event with an 'oli.'
