FIRST REINTEGRATION RESOURCE FAIR AT HAWAIʻI CORRECTIONAL COMMUNITY CENTER – HALE NANI FACILITY
HILO — The Departments of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Labor and Industrial Relations hosted a reintegration resource fair at the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center – Hale Nani Facility Thursday, May 15, 2025, to help prepare men and women reenter the community upon their release.
Representatives from several agencies, educational institutions and organizations provided information to male and female inmates on housing, training and other support services.
The following providers participated in the resource fair: Going Home Hawaiʻi, Kumukahi Health & Wellness, Goodwill Hawaiʻi, American Job Center Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Community College of Hilo, Hope Services Hawaiʻi and Big Island Substance Abuse Council.
Representatives from the Hawaiʻi County Vehicle Registration & Licensing also participated in the event, providing personalized assistance to the men and women. Representatives gave information on the process to obtain new identification cards such as a new state identification card and/or driver’s license.
More than 20 male and two female inmates participated in the event. All are classified as community custody inmates and slated to be released within the next year or so.
Director Tommy Johnson of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, DCR Deputy Director Sanna Muñoz of the Rehabilitation Services and Programs Division, HCCC Warden Cramer Mahoe and Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda were among the honored guests who attended the fair.
The resource fair is a prime example of the department’s core mission statement: to provide support and services to those in our custody and care as we continue to work on lowering recidivism in Hawaiʻi, which will create safer communities,” Director Johnson said. “We’re here to help individuals successfully transition back into society.”
During the fair, Sebastian Hernandez V visited various vendors including the University of Hawai’i at Hilo where he spoke with representatives and shared his interest in the automotive technology program.
Hernandez, 33, who is expected to be released from custody next week, said he appreciated the resource fair and is grateful for the support from providers and staff.
Shawn Keolanui, 62, who was released from custody on the same day of the event, said the resource fair “really helps to get us back on our feet.”
Other facilities in Hawaiʻi such as the Waiawa Correctional Facility and Womenʻs Community Correctional Center also host resource fairs in collaboration with Transforming Lives Hawai’i. The Hālawa Correctional Facility also hosted its first resource fair in 2024.
DLIR Director Jade Butay said, “Everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Events like this reintegration fair align with our mission to connect all job seekers — including justice-involved individuals — with the resources they need to succeed. By working together, we help strengthen families, communities, and Hawaiʻi’s workforce.”
Footage and photos of the reintegration resource fair are available in the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1w25DReaycaf1al39LKwrOdmEmIEXvn2W?usp=sharing.
Images and videos are courtesy of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Media contacts:
Rosemarie Bernardo
Public Information Officer
Hawaiʻi Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Office: 808-587-1358
Cell: 808-683-5507
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov
Chavonnie Ramos
Public Information Officer
Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Office: 808-586-9720
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://labor.hawaii.gov