Hawaii PSD announces new wardens, highlights appointees’ diverse backgrounds and managerial experience

Government
Tommy johnson hi 800
Tommy Johnson, director, Hawaii Department of Public Safety | dps.hawaii.gov

The Hawaii Department of Public Safety (PSD) recently announced the appointment of four new wardens, a news release from Gov. Josh Green's office said.

Shannon Cluney will head the Halawa Correctional Facility, Ione Guillonta is the new warden at the Women's Community Correctional Center, Liane Endo is the new warden at Maui Community Correctional Center and Jerry Jona is the new warden at Kauai Community Correctional Center.

“These individuals come with many years of experience, in-depth knowledge, and dedication within the correctional field,” Michael J. Hoffman, deputy director for Corrections, said in the release. “We are excited and honored to have these outstanding civil servants on board and to be a part of our Corrections administrative team.”

Hoffman’s comments were echoed by PSD Director Tommy Johnson, who highlighted the selectees’ diverse backgrounds and managerial experience.

“Mr. Cluney’s appointment as Halawa Warden will bring fresh ideas and modern correctional concepts to the State’s primary male prison facility,” Johnson said in the release. “His vast knowledge and experience will be invaluable as the Department of Public Safety (PSD) transitions to become the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR)."

Guillonta brings 30 years of correctional experience.

“Warden Guillonta is coming on board as the Department plans to relocate all of the females housed at the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) to WCCC late next year,” Johnson said. “This represents a major permanent change to where women pre-trial detainees and sentenced women misdemeanants are held on Oahu and Warden Guillonta’s timely appointment dovetails nicely with coming changes.”

Endo has been employed with the Department of Public Safety (PSD) since 1999.

“Warden Endo has been the acting warden at MCCC since October 2022 and her promotion represents changes needed to move the department and MCCC forward,” Johnson said.

Jona also has been employed with PSD since 1999.

“Warden Jona brings decades of experience and knowledge to KCCC and has, over the years, developed community partnerships that benefit the incarcerated population and their successful reintegration back into the community,” Johnson said.