Kamehameha Schools announced today it plans to break ground in June on a four-part master plan for its Kapalama campus. It's a $118.5 million project that is expected to last three years.

Ke Kupu Malamalama includes the redevelopment of most of the middle school campus and dormitories, redevelopment of the PE/athletic complex, construction of the new Ka`iwakiloumoku Hawaiian Cultural Center and construction of a new parking structure.

"Work included in the Kapalama Master Plan will better equip us to serve the 3,200 students that come to school here every day," said Michael Chun, president and headmaster of the Kapalama Campus, in a statement. "Brand-new facilities like Ka'iwakiloumoku and the parking structure will not only benefit us but also our friends and community partners who come to Kamehameha for athletic or special events which are hosted here on campus."

The middle school serves 640 seventh- and eighth-grade students and redevelopment will begin in June. With the exception of Keawe Gym and the locker room, the entire middle school, including its boys and girls dormitories, will be demolished and replaced with five buildings that incorporate many sustainable design elements.

The new 30,000-square-foot athletics complex will house the athletics and physical education departments, men's and women's locker rooms, a weight and fitness room, classrooms and a state-of-the-art training room.

The new Hawaiian cultural center will sit against the hillside and cover 22,000 square feet. The center was first envisioned by former Kamehameha Schools trustee Myron "Pinky" Thompson in 1992 as a place where Hawaiians could come together to learn, celebrate and perpetuate their rich ancestral culture.

The 500-plus stall parking structure with a connecting pedestrian bridge to Kunuiakea Stadium will be erected adjacent to Kekuhaupi`o on the current Malalo field, and will provide increased access for students, parents and visitors attending campus events.