The return to campus this semester was interrupted by multiple accounts of vandalism across the

middle school and high school.

This past semester on the Kapālama campus of Kamehameha Schools, there have been many

instances of vandalism and graffiti perpetrated by students on school property. The nexus of

these cases seems to be the numerous bathrooms situated on campus. In these cases, the damage

done by students ranges from the graffiti lining the doors of bathroom stalls to the destruction

and unauthorized removal of toilet paper dispensers, soap dispensers, and trash cans. Many of the

cases go unnoticed by students due to the swift cleanup that our KS Operations performs on such

incidents.

“They realize that the actions of a few should not impact the majority of our haumana who

appreciate Pauahi’s resource,” said Senior Vice-Principal Jake Pacarro. “It is in that spirit that

they usually expedite the repairs and cleaning of bathrooms.”

Despite KS Operations making the more severe cases of vandalism invisible to the eye, more

acts soon follow as a minority within the student class utilize their time and energy disrespecting,

and not appreciating, Pauahi’s resources. Their motivation for doing so is unclear, but one

driving force behind these actions can possibly be tied to social media. A famous TikTok trend

Devious Licks promotes the defacement of school property and truancy amount the student body,

and is a platform where students post their criminal acts for the perusal of the general public.

This platform has been the suspected cause of many cases on campuses and classrooms around

the island and across the nation. Whether this platform is the sole reason behind this year’s wave

of property destruction is unsure. However, the number of cases has increased in years past.

On the subject, Pacarro said, “In my opinion, it seems that we have had more cases of vandalism

this school year than in years past.”

To combat the rising numbers, the administration hopes to reform these student vandals by instilling

the importance of appreciation and gratitude among the student body.

“We will continue to educate our haumana and remind them of how blessed we are to be a part

of this amazing campus community,” said Pacarro. “When it comes down to it, this is Pauahi’s

home, and we are all but guests here. We all have a kuleana to mālama this campus, this school,

and her legacy.”