Hālawa Correctional Facility Hosts First Housing Resource Fair for Inmates
HONOLULU — Hālawa Correctional Facility (HCF) inmate Sean Kauanoe was happy after speaking with representatives of agencies and social service providers at the facility’s first housing resource fair Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. During the event, representatives helped inmates secure safe and stable housing as they prepare for reentry into the community.
Two providers — Makana O Ke Akua and Adult and Teen Challenge of the Hawaiian Islands— offered Kauanoe, 51, transportation from the facility to transitional housing and job assistance upon release. “That’s unbelievable,” Kauanoe said. “I’m grateful for that.”
“These programs are taking a chance on me,” said Kauanoe, a minimum custody inmate at Hālawa who is scheduled to be released from the facility in February 2025. He is serving time for a parole violation in connection with a conviction for promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree.
Kauanoe was one of 75 inmates who participated in HCF’s first “Get Housed” resource fair at the facility’s Learning Center where approximately a dozen agencies and non-profit organizations provided information to inmates on housing as well as vocational training and other support services.
Participating inmates included those eligible for parole over the next year and those slated to complete their sentences by the end of the year.
Director Tommy Johnson of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) attended the event and spoke to inmates participating in the fair. “Events like this serve an important role in the department’s mission to provide support and services to those in our custody and care as we continuously work on lowering recidivism in Hawai‘i.”
Providers assisted inmates with filling out housing applications and conducted interviews in the facility’s Learning Center classrooms. Of the 75 inmates who participated in the event, 55 inmates were approved on-the-spot for housing. Applications for 12 inmates are pending approval and the remaining eight inmates are working with providers to secure housing off-island.
Warden Shannon Cluney said they plan to host more housing resource fairs at the facility moving forward. “We are very pleased with the outcome,” Cluney said of Thursday’s event. “Obtaining appropriate housing is a key component of the reentry process and only enhances the chances for the offender to successfully transition back into society.”
“Oftentimes the process for obtaining housing can be cumbersome and lengthy. By having all the players in one area, the process is streamlined, and approvals are made on-the-spot,” he added.
Agencies and providers that participated in the Get Housed resource fair included the Hope Center, Institute for Human Services Reentry Program, Hawai‘i Paroling Authority, Keahou Shelter, Waikiki Health Center, Ha Ala Hou O Ke Ola, Leeward Community College – Wai‘anae Moku Kupu Ā Pu‘u (KAP) Program, Kinohi Mana Nui Support Services, Crossfire Ministry, Adult and Teen Challenge of the Hawaiian Islands and Makana O Ke Akua.
Pastor Jesse Reyna of the Hope Center said, “Transitioning out of prison is a scary thing. There are still places that provide you the support you need.”
HCF Acting Education Supervisor Marly Jane “MJ” Nakamura and Chaplain Barbara Gatewood of Transforming Lives Hawai‘i, both of whom work closely with inmates, organized the event to address inmates’ housing needs to ensure a successful transition back into the community. The duo coordinated with facility staff, providers, the DCR Corrections Programs Services Division and DCR Reentry Coordination Office on the event. “We want to make sure every person has a place to stay when they leave,” Nakamura said. “The most rewarding part of the event is knowing that we are providing hope and opportunities to our residents.”
For photos, please visit the following link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LHhZld6W0vJGqDK9E5wbd8UH_8bNUd2p?usp=sharing.
#
Media Contact:
Rosemarie Bernardo
Public Information Officer
Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Office: 808-587-1358
Cell: 808-683-5507
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov