​A new facility will be built for Waianae High School's Searider Productions thanks in part to legislative appropriations totaling $10.7 million. Students and staff have outgrown the two buildings currently used for the program.

"This is a dream come true," stated Candy Suiso, program director for Searider Productions. "We are growing in ways we never imagined. This new facility will provide for more space to expand our program as well as allow us to keep up with changing technology now and into the future. It will also be important for our early college programs in creative media."

The 8,500-square-foot facility will be located on the site of the current facility, and will include a new lobby, "makery space," three new classrooms, an office-conference room, new restrooms, covered lanai and flexible multi-purpose open courtyard that will be used for outdoor classrooms and to host gatherings.

"This project is another example of how the Department has been making progress in updating our facilities to meet the needs of our future ready learners including upgrades to technology and innovative use of space," said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. "The work that has come out of Searider Productions is already recognized nationally. This facility allows for the advancement of rigorous learning to take place and continue to foster passions in creative media."

Honolulu-based WhiteSpace Architects was selected to lead the design into construction. Architects Laura Ayers, AIA and Elyse Takashige, AIA are leading the design project.

The project is expected to break ground during the second quarter of 2018. The program currently operates out of two separate buildings on the Waianae High campus. The scope of this project was to create a connection between the buildings to enhance student safety and provide additional usable space. The entire complex will be enclosed. During construction, Searider Productions will temporarily re-locate to another space on the Waianae High campus.

"The proposed design is unique and will transform the facility to be used for a multitude of purposes, from assemblies to small-group meetings and more," added Assistant Superintendent Dann Carlson.

Waianae High School's Searider Productions was established in 1993, and is an award-winning program that has been recognized as "one of the most innovative digital media programs in the nation" by the Milken Family Foundation when it honored Program Director and Co-Founder Candy Suiso with a National Educator Award in 1999. Its mission is to provide students with the skills, attitude and knowledge needed for success in both the global and local communities.