The Waiawa Correctional Facility held a dedication ceremony on November 18, 2024, to mark the opening of the new ‘Ohana Visit and Resource Center. This center is part of a pilot project aimed at providing a supportive environment for children and families of incarcerated fathers.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) and the Department of Human Services (DHS). Notable attendees included Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, DCR Director Tommy Johnson, DHS Director Ryan Yamane, Dr. Michael Champion, Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System to Governor Josh Green, M.D., Sen. Brandon Elefante, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, along with other lawmakers and stakeholders who have supported this project.
The project began with two resolutions passed by the state Legislature in 2019—House Concurrent Resolution 205 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 7—which called for creating family-friendly visitation centers across Hawai’i's correctional facilities. In 2022, Act 125 was passed to fund this pilot project at Waiawa Correctional Facility with $115,000 allocated for building materials and $305,000 for family reunification services.
Keiki O Ka ‘Āina Learning Centers (KOKA) has been contracted by DHS to provide programs at the facility as part of this initiative. DCR Director Tommy Johnson expressed gratitude towards all contributors: “Without all of them, this would not have occurred.” He also highlighted KOKA’s role in making the project possible: “This initiative will help strengthen the bonds between incarcerated fathers and their children.”
DHS Director Ryan Yamane shared similar sentiments about enhancing these programs further: “We work together as a family to make other families do better.” During his speech, he acknowledged several inmates present who had assisted in organizing the event.
Inmate Kamalei Wilbur-Delima thanked WCF staff and KOKA for their support during his incarceration: “They have given me hope...people who believe in me.” He recounted participating in a Father’s Day event where he reunited with his son after almost three years apart: “It really meant a lot to me.”
Photos from this ceremony can be accessed online through provided links.