Mililani Waena Elementary School

A Major Disappointment: Mililani Waena Fails to Prioritize Student Wellness
As parents transitioning from another elementary school, we were deeply disappointed by the glaring deficiencies at Mililani Waena Elementary, particularly in terms of leadership, facilities, and adherence to child wellness policies mandated by the Department of Education (DOE).

Lack of Adequate Play Facilities
Shockingly, this 53-year-old school offers no playground for students in grades 1-5. The only playground on campus is reserved for PreK and Kindergarteners, leaving the majority of students without access to any suitable play area. For recess, students are taken off-campus to a nearby neighborhood park, where they often end up playing tag on a small, unfenced, sloping patch of grass. On most days, no additional play equipment is provided, significantly limiting the students' opportunities for physical activity.

Inadequate Recess Time
One of the most concerning issues is the limited recess time, particularly for entire grades such as the 4th grade, where students are given only a single 15-minute break. My child came home upset after learning this on her first day, and the teacher’s explanation was disheartening. “Our admin doesn't provide adults to supervise a second recess. So its up to the individual grade levels to decide. Contractually, we cannot be told we have to go out for a second yard duty. Since we as a grade level would all need to agree to do second recess duty, 4th grade hasn't had a second recess because the entire grade level hasn't agreed to it.” As a result, 4th graders, and likely others, are left without adequate time for physical activity.

Leadership Fails to Address Concerns
Attempts to discuss potential solutions with the school’s leadership were met with dismissiveness and a lack of transparency. The principal and vice principal showed no willingness to consider improvements. When we pointed out that the DOE Wellness Policy mandates a minimum of 20 minutes of daily physical activity for children—a requirement not being met by a single 15-minute recess—the vice principal unapologetically stated that they were not obligated to follow this regulation.

Suggestions for Improvement
There are practical solutions that the school could implement to address these issues. An inclusive playground could be installed on the city park property, where one previously existed over 14 years ago. The school could also hire additional staff or seek volunteers to supervise a second recess, ensuring that children, especially in the 4th grade, receive the physical activity essential to their health and development.

Final Thoughts
It is disheartening that the administration at Mililani Waena has chosen inaction over the well-being of its students. The children deserve better—better leadership, better facilities, and a school that prioritizes their physical and emotional wellness. As it stands, this school falls woefully short of that standard.