Hawaii Prisons Need More Thorough Internal Investigations, Commission Says
The state corrections commission encountered an array of problems during facility tours, including some serious safety violations.
4 Oahu Inmates Face Manslaughter Charge In Fellow Prisoner’s Death
Christopher Vaefaga was found unconscious and unresponsive in his cell in a module used to house gang members.
Hawaii Prison Chief Wants Department Changes To Bring ‘Paradigm Shift’
Tommy Johnson will become the director of Corrections and Rehabilitation after the Public Safety Department is dissolved on Monday.
Prisons Director And Corrections Commission Agree To Keep Talking And Meeting
After a brief impasse, Department of Public Safety Director Tommy Johnson is once again participating in meetings.
Hawaii Inmate In Arizona Prison Died With Meth In His System
Other prisoners were seen entering the cell of Richard Taylor Jr. before his body was found at the Saguaro Correctional Center.
Hawaii Prisons Oversight Commissioner Resigns Due To Health Concerns
Colleagues praised Ted Sakai for his decades of service, saying he dedicated his career to making the system more humane.
The Money Is There, But This Restorative Justice Program Can’t Get It
The Legislature appropriated $200,000 to expand the program, but the Department of Public Safety says the bids for the funding haven’t met requirements.
Ben Lowenthal: We’re Failing Our Community When We Banish Prisoners To The Mainland
Justice Thurgood Marshall called banishment a “unique and severe deprivation,” but Hawaii shows no indication of stopping.
Hawaii Prison Oversight Meetings Are Missing A Key Player — The Prisons Director
Tommy Johnson told the oversight coordinator that neither he nor his staff will attend the meetings, though they’ll engage in other ways.
Halawa Prison Electrical Problems Leave Inmates Sitting In The Dark
The Department of Public Safety is trying to determine the scope of the problem, and what it will take to fix it.