DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION SEEKS COMMUNITY INPUT ON PREFERRED SITE FOR KCCC RELOCATION
LĪHUʻE, KAUAʻI — The Hawaiʻi Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) is seeking community input on the preferred site for the future Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center (KCCC) following information presented at the recent symposium, “Pathways for Reentry from Incarceration: A Community Symposium for the Future of the Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center.”
The January 25, 2025 symposium at the Kauaʻi Community College Performing Arts Center brought together DCR officials, stakeholders and community members, to discuss rehabilitation efforts for inmates and explore potential locations for a new KCCC facility.
During the symposium, DCR identified land off Māʻalo Road in Līhuʻe, owned by Grove Farm, as the preferred site for the new facility. This location offers approximately 20 to 30 acres of usable land, access to infrastructure, and proximity to critical support services, including Kaulu I Ka Pono Academy, a treatment and education facility for at-risk youth.
“We want to ensure that this facility is designed to provide a rehabilitative and secure environment for inmates while also addressing community concerns,” said DCR Director Tommy Johnson. “Community input is critical as we move forward in evaluating this potential site.”
The existing KCCC facility, built in 1977, is in a flood-prone area adjacent to Kūhiō Highway. For decades, the facility has endured flooding as well as infrastructure limitations. What’s more, the Department of Transportation’s planned expansion of Kūhiō Highway would further impact the current site, necessitating the move.
The Hawaiʻi State Legislature has allocated $20 million for the relocation and redevelopment of KCCC.
DCR has launched a website to keep the public informed and gather feedback on the relocation project. Community members are encouraged to review project details and share their input on the proposed Māʻalo Road site by visiting: https://ssfm.konveio.com/kccc/get-involved.
Media Contact:
Rosemarie Bernardo
Public Information Officer
Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Office: 808-587-1358
Cell: 808-683-5507
Email: Rosemarie.Bernardo@hawaii.gov
Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov