HONOLULU (KHON2) — A multi-million dollar expansion project at the Women’s Community Correctional Center, Hawaii’s only women’s prison, has officially been completed.
A blessing ceremony was held today to celebrate the new housing, intake, and administration buildings.
The newly constructed housing facilities feature both open dorm and cell units, while the intake building includes an enclosed vehicle sally port, booking and release areas, as well as safety and sobering cells.
The new administration building provides office space, training areas, and locker facilities for staff.
These improvements will allow for the transfer of all female inmates currently held in the overcrowded OCCC to the WCCC. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke emphasized the importance of community support for women seeking a second chance, stating, “It’s a commitment that signals the state of Hawaii will not give up on these women as long as they are committed to bettering themselves.”
Additionally, the Hookipa Cottage, designed for inmates transitioning back into the community, has also been renovated as part of the project.