Dozens of guests attended a dedication ceremony at the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, to commemorate the facility’s expansion project in Honolulu.
The $63 million project, which began in July 2021, includes three new buildings: Administration, Housing, and Intake/Visitation. This is the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (DCR) largest capital improvement project to date. Additionally, WCCC celebrated the newly renovated Ho‘okipa Cottage, a $6 million project featuring a new multi-purpose building and a renovated structure with a bed capacity of 58 for work furlough inmates. All structures are expected to be operational by the end of the year.
Distinguished guests included Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, DCR Director Tommy Johnson, Deputy Director Pamela Sturz of the Correctional Institutions Division, Deputy Director Sanna Muñoz of the Rehabilitation Services and Programs Division, and Deputy Director Melanie Martin of the Administration Division. Wardens, administrators, lawmakers, stakeholders, community organizations, contractors, architects, and consultants involved in the expansion were also present.
Lt. Gov. Luke stated: “It takes a commitment from the individuals here and it also takes a commitment from the outside community, the community as a whole, to support these women who have gone through many troubles in their lives.”
DCR Director Tommy Johnson added that the changes represent “our sincere efforts to provide a positive rehabilitative environment, hope and return dignity to the women housed here while simultaneously improving the working conditions of our staff.” He thanked various community groups for their support in bettering inmates' lives and preparing them for reentry into society.
Kahu Pohālelo Loko‘olu Quintero and ‘Ihilani Chu from the Hawaiian Church of Hawaiʻi Nei and Chaplain Tammy Turcios conducted a blessing during the event. Seven inmates from Halau Hulu Kamaluokukui performed hula.
The expansion aims to provide space for programs and ease overcrowding at Oʻahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC). WCCC will serve as both prison and jail for female inmates on Oʻahu. The new Housing building has a 176-bed capacity across dorm units and restrictive housing units.
WCCC Warden Ione “Noni” Guillonta emphasized: “Our aim is not merely to house individuals but to offer them an opportunity for transformation... We are dedicated to addressing the unique needs of women who face different challenges and required tailored support to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society successfully.”
Seven inmates trained by ‘Ōlelo Community Media filmed and conducted interviews at the event as part of their training.
Approximately 120 female inmates will be transferred from OCCC in Kalihi to WCCC in Kailua over eight weeks starting soon. The current population at WCCC is nearly 200 as of Sept. 16, 2024.
The renovated Ho‘okipa Cottage will focus on rehabilitation and life skills for successful community transition for work furlough inmates eligible for release within one to two years.
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