Dan Kong was a pastor for Olivet Baptist Church and served as the Hawaiʻi Baptist Convention’s president in the 1970’s, working with HBA in its various real estate holdings, leases, and acquisitions during Col. Sagert’s tenure as school president.

While the threat of closure no longer loomed heavy over the school, Kong’s presidency arrived at a period of expensive infrastructure development and record-breaking fundraising initiatives. HBA’s rapid expansion in the 1980’s saw the construction of the Shiraki Building at the high school, providing students with an enclosed gym, more classrooms, and space to congregate.

The newly acquired elementary campus required careful planning and consideration, due to the terms set by the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts Convent. Additionally, while the property was sold under market value - the annual payments represented a substantial portion of the school’s operating expenses, and required the postponement of other development initiatives.

Finally, the ‘80s and ‘90s saw the operation of a satellite elementary school in Nanakuli - made possible by the generous support of the Mainland Advisory Council.