Pahala Sites

The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded new construction or improvement work for the school in Pahala, on the Big Island. The PWA grant amounted to $15,930, and the work was carried out in 1938. The project, listed as Docket No. TH-1070-F, was part of the PWA’s non-federal projects expenditure for the Territory of Hawaii for 1938-1939. Located in a rural plantation town, the Kau High and Pahala Elementary School consists of several classroom buildings with large lanai and corrugated metal roofs.

The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) worked to improve and develop Punaluu Road, a.k.a. Ninole Loop Road, between Naalehu and Pahala, Hawaii. Per Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Sept. 30, 1934: "Work is progressing on the resurfacing and straightening of the Punaluu beach road which is used by many Kau residents who enjoy camping and swimming at Punaluu." Work started in 1934 and was completed in July 1935. 26 FERA laborers were involved with the project as of mid-July 1935.