The state Department of Education has selected a site for a new public high school in Kihei, Maui.

The school will be on the Haleakala side of Pi'ilani Highway. One portion of the site is owned by Haleakala Ranch and a smaller portion is owned by Kaonoulu Ranch.

A design concept of the school will be developed in consultation with the community in early 2008. The new school could be opened for the 2011-2012 school year.

Seven sites were initially being considered by the state and Maui-based consultant Munekiyo & Hiraga Inc.

The list was narrowed down to three and included sites owned by Maui County and Genshiro Kawamoto.

A price for the two parcels of land has yet to be negotiated, the state Department of Education said in a news release.

Planning for the new school also continues with development of general design concepts, preparing an environmental impact statement, applying for state land use and county zoning changes.

The criteria in choosing the location for the new school included proximity to existing developed areas, site topography, vehicle and pedestrian traffic, availability of utility infrastructure, archaeology, safety and climate.