Aina Haina private school faces long clean-up ahead after flooding

AINA HAINA, OAHU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Honolulu Waldorf School's high school campus in Aina Haina remains closed as contractors and school officials try to make it safe for students.

A wave of mud up to 8 inches high swept through the campus Friday night amid widespread flooding, doing significant damage to the campus and its classrooms.

School employees say the smell of mold and mildew are strong and the school's new auditorium, musical instruments and student art portfolios are ruined.

"I just opened up a room that hadn't been opened yet today and it kind of knocked me over because of the smell," said Hillary Godwise, Waldorf School high school chair.

"We don't want to put students into any harm. You can already tell that the mold and mildew and all of that is starting to grow — and for me, it's important to make sure those things are under control."

School officials didn't immediately know how much repairs would cost, but said damage was extensive.