McKinley High’s new athletic complex will elevate spectator experience, serve as hub for community

HONOLULU — McKinley High School broke ground Wednesday on a $24 million state-of-the-art athletic complex, designed by G70. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Hawai‘i State Department of Education administrators, legislators and supporters of Hawaiʻi high school athletics. Nan, Inc. is beginning construction on the project, which is estimated to be completed by Sept. 2026.

Principal Ron Okamura expressed gratitude to supporters including former state Reps. Scott Saiki and Scott Nishimoto, and Sen. Sharon Moriwaki, who represents the area, for their commitment to improving McKinley High's athletic facilities. Kumu Kuaʻanaʻai Lewis, a McKinley High teacher and Hawaiiana educator, blessed the project with an oli before the groundbreaking.

“We hope this facility will inspire student-athletes to go for gold and bring Tiger Pride to their classmates and their ‘ohana,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “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.”

This new concrete and masonry block athletic facility will provide student-athletes with state-of-the-art training facilities and Tiger fans with an enhanced game-day experience. With over 2,400 bleacher seats, modern restrooms, a convenient ticket booth, and a rooftop press box, the building will elevate sporting events to new heights.

Concrete bleachers extend the length of the building, with a tunnel at the center of the football field that will create an exciting, processional entry to the football field for players and the marching band. The design prioritizes functionality, durability and the needs of the athletes, student body, staff and the community.

Construction under the bleachers will include a dedicated boy’s PE locker room, a spacious weight training room, and top-notch locker rooms for male and female athletes. Additional spaces will include coaches' offices, storage and an equipment room that will contain wiring to increase internet capacity to this and future campus buildings.

“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 said. “We are looking forward to seeing how this new complex will enhance not only the sports program but also energize school spirit as well.”

Rendering: Courtesy G70