More than 60 people gathered at the ‘Aiea Elementary School Cafeteria on Thursday, February 1, 2024, to participate in the O‘ahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) Community Engagement Workshop. The workshop was organized by the University of Hawai‘i Community Design Center (UHCDC) in partnership with the Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) to gather input on the planned relocation of the OCCC.
During the workshop, DCR Director Tommy Johnson provided an update on the relocation project, highlighting the urgent need for a new correctional facility. Director Johnson emphasized the age of parts of OCCC, stating, "Parts of OCCC are 110 years old." He further stated that the department aims to have a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the new OCCC posted in early 2025, if not sooner.
The community meeting was attended by area lawmakers, state and community leaders, stakeholders, and residents. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in interactive activities and group discussions facilitated by the UHCDC team. These activities aimed to gather feedback from community members regarding the new jail and the broader justice system.
Cathi Ho Schar, director of the University of Hawai‘i Community Design Center, expressed gratitude to the community for their participation, stating, "We appreciate your wisdom, your understanding, and your patience as we learn with and from all of you." Schar also emphasized the seriousness with which they approach their responsibility in leading the independent engagement, research, and proof-of-concept study for the OCCC relocation project.
The UHCDC was contracted by the DCR in 2022 to conduct this study, which will inform the work of future professional planning and design teams. However, it is important to note that the UHCDC is not responsible for developing the RFP for the new jail.
The OCCC Community Engagement Workshop is part of the DCR's ongoing commitment to actively engage with the public and keep them informed about the progress of the relocation project. The department recognizes the importance of community input in shaping the future of the correctional facility and aims to create a more robust community-based continuum of care.
For media inquiries, please contact Rosemarie Bernardo, Public Information Officer for the Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, at 808-587-1358 or via email at [email protected]
Photo credit: University of Hawai’i Community Design Center