​​​​​HONOLULU –The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) advises Oahu motorists that North King Street will be temporarily closed in both directions between Kalihi Street and Houghtailing Street/Waiakamilo Road on Wednesday, March 9, between 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. for an emergency evacuation drill at Farrington High School [​click here for a larger map​].  

During the drill, this section of North King Street will be closed by Honolulu police officers and nearly 2,400 students will cross the street to a designated evacuation site at the nearby Kalakaua District Park. 

“The safety of our students is extremely important and this evacuation drill will ensure that our staff and students are familiar with the evacuation procedure and route should an actual emergency occur,”said Principal Al Carganilla.  “Practice will allow for a safe and orderly clearing of the school and we want to thank motorists in advance for their patience and ask that they use alternate routes to avoid any traffic.”

Traffic congestion on North King Street is expected during this period and motorists are advised to use alternate routes such as the H-1 Freeway, Dillingham Boulevard and Nimitz Highway around the area.  Messages to notify motorists will be posted on the school’s campus message board.

About the Hawaii State Department of Education

The Hawaii State Department of Education is the ninth-largest U.S. school district and the only statewide educational system in the country.  It is comprised of 256 schools and 34 charter schools, and serves more than 180,000 students. King Kamehameha III established Hawaii’s public school system in 1840.