‘AIEA, Hawai’i — The Hālawa Correctional Facility (HCF) hosted a commencement ceremony Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, for inmate Temauraʻi Border who earned an associate of arts degree in liberal arts from Windward Community College (WCC).

Border, 27, is the first HCF inmate to earn an AA degree from WCC while in custody.

Grateful, Border thanked the education staff at WCC and HCF. “Coming to prison, I never thought I would achieve this higher learning,” he said.

At the “Yuletide Commencement: Celebrating Growth and Gratitude” ceremony, DCR officials and educational officials honored Border as well as over 35 inmates currently enrolled in WCC and Chaminade University of Honolulu programs for their commitment to education.

The HCF Education Department hosted the commencement to honor the students. Officials and staff from Windward Community College and Chaminade University also participated in the event to support the students.

The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) partners with the institutions to provide opportunities for eligible inmates at HCF to take college courses through WCC and Chaminade’s Prison Education Programs.

“We are so proud of Temauraʻi and the work he has done to achieve his degree,” WCC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg, Ph.D. said in a written statement.

During the ceremony, DCR Director Tommy Johnson addressed Border and the students currently enrolled in education programs at HCF. “Education is the key to freedom. Education is the key to lifelong learning and education is the key when you transition from here to the outside,” Johnson said.

“Commencement means the beginning, not the end,” he added. “We’re all here to make sure you succeed. Everyone here is here for you,” Johnson added.

He thanked WCC and Chaminade University for their ongoing support of the department’s mission to provide rehabilitative services and programs to those in our custody and care.

Border said, “This is an awesome opportunity that I’ve been given.” The graduate noted that he is continuing his education and aims to earn a bachelor of arts degree.

During the ceremony, keynote speaker DCR Deputy Director Sanna Muñoz of the Rehabilitation Services and Programs Division congratulated Border for his achievement. “By getting to this moment, standing here, you have demonstrated your strength, your courage, your commitment, your dedication and your resolve,” Muñoz said.

She also applauded the students in the education programs for continuing to work hard toward their college degrees.

DCR Education Services Branch Manager Roseanne Propato praised the men for their perseverance. “This journey is not easy. The challenges you face are real and unique.

Yet you show up. You put in the work. You keep going. That determination matters, and it says a lot about who you are and who you are becoming,” Propato said.

HCF Warden Shannon Cluney commended Border for his accomplishments. “The circumstances that brought you to receive a degree at the Hālawa Correctional Facility are in your rearview mirror. Focus forward,” Cluney said. He also recognized the students in the college education programs to continue to make good choices as they forge ahead in their educational journey.

HCF Education Supervisor Marly Jane “MJ” Nakamura, who organized the commencement celebration, said she is extremely proud to witness the growth of the graduate and the students.

“I often remind them that that they are more than capable,” Nakamura said. “This education is not just an academic achievement, it is preparation for reentry, equipping them to return to the community ready to contribute positively and build a meaningful future.”

After the commencement, the celebration continued with WCC and Chaminade University students reciting poems, dancing hula, singing Christmas songs and participating in team-building games with educators and staff.

Graduation footage and photos, courtesy of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation are available at the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rVEffaDXKW-Sz89IE2GRty_JoCxFHZcU?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