Nanakuli High and Intermediate School (NHIS) and the Nanakuli Performing Arts Center (NPAC) are making strides toward the long-awaited construction of a new auditorium. 

The project is currently in the planning and design phase and the total cost of the project will be $40 million. The auditorium is set to be built behind the cafeteria.

“We have met with the architects, DOE State and complex representatives, and our Leadership team three times since the summer to go over designs and needs for the facility,” said Robin Kitsu NPAC Co-Director.

Due to limited funding, the construction will be done in phases. Phase One will be the “Theatre Support Building” and will have dressing rooms, bathrooms, laundry and a storage room.

Next is the “Theatre Workshop Room” which was supposed to be constructed first but is Phase Two of the project. That will be the rehearsal and performance space that will be used almost daily for rehearsals and creative development.

Which then leads to Phase Three which is “The Auditorium,” which will be complete with a 400-seat auditorium, a full stage, control room, dressing rooms, green room, costume shop, scene shop, lobby, and more. 

“For NPAC to be able to have our own space would be groundbreaking for the program. It would provide a more conducive performance and practice environment for our student performers as well as a more comfortable environment for our audience members,” said NPAC Co-Director Chloe Kitsu.

An auditorium is important in many ways, but mainly for performances. This way, the students don’t need to perform in the cafeteria anymore and have a proper place to show off their talent.

“We love rehearsing in the Multi-Purpose Building, NPAC opened the building in fact. However, practicing in an open air facility has its challenges: kids playing outside, sports games, cars driving by, and more. By having an auditorium, NPAC is able to have a more private space to practice without as many distractions,” said Chloe Kitsu.

The construction of the auditorium has not come without its challenges.

“So far one of the main challenges would be funding as we only have $4.4/40 million dollars that could be going into the building of the auditorium but we still need to get at least $35.6 million dollars,” said Robin Kitsu.

For many NPAC students, the auditorium opens many doors for more opportunities and less work for the program to get the space performance ready.

“The custodians will have less work to do and don’t need to clean up after the NPAC students in the cafeteria and more space for props and mainly perform to show that the students deserve the auditorium,” said Sophomore Haedyn Carba.

The auditorium will not only be for NPAC’s use, but the vision is for other school groups and community groups to be able to utilize the space as well.

“The goal is to also have NHIS students run the facility as a work-based learning site. Students would do the technical aspects of an event such as lighting, sound, and video. As well as even market events for the facility to integrate business skills,” said Robin Kitsu.

The next steps are finalizing the design of the performing arts center and then begin building Phase 1. 

Robin Kitsu said, “It comes down to funding. If more funds are approved and released, more of the facility can be built.”

Chloe Kitsu added, “The purpose of doing NPAC was and is never about getting a building. Our goal is to give all students the space to be themselves, build friendships, and grow their leadership skills through the performing arts. Having the auditorium would allow us to further enhance this educational experience.”