Incarcerated mothers at the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) in Kailua reunited with their children during a Halloween-themed Kids’ Day event on October 11, 2025. The gathering was organized by WCCC in partnership with Wellspring Covenant Church and brought together eight mothers, 12 children, and 10 caregivers.
The courtyard of Maunawili Cottage was decorated for the occasion, featuring cobwebs and plastic spiders. Families participated in activities such as volleyball, Halloween-themed games, face painting, and arts and crafts over three and a half hours.
Food for the event was prepared by inmates who are students in the Kapiʻolani Community College Culinary Arts Program. Under the guidance of Chef Lee Shinsato and other instructors, they served dishes including mummified franks with chili and rice, mini pizzas, smash teriyaki burgers, pumpkin muffins, chocolate croissants, scones, coconut macaroons, apple turnovers, snickerdoodles, and shave ice.
Director Tommy Johnson of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation attended the event to greet families and thank staff members as well as volunteers from Wellspring Covenant Church. He stated: “Events like this are successful because of our dedicated staff at WCCC and community partners. Kids’ Day helps mothers maintain bonds with their children. It also serves as a reminder on what’s important and what to strive for — reunification with their families when they reenter the community upon their release.”
Wellspring Covenant Church sponsored Kids’ Day through community donations. The church has partnered with WCCC for more than two decades to support these events.
“These types of special events are crucial in strengthening bonds between mothers and their children,” said WCCC Warden Ione “Noni” Guillonta.
Pastor Cheryl Takabayashi of Wellspring Covenant Church added that it is a blessing to participate in Kids’ Day and witness the joy shared by families.
Photos and video footage from Kids’ Day are available online at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1j3ZtoBzbfvHhDWiqtLRsc_ONmx_d4ywK?usp=sharing.
