ANNUAL HOʻIKE RESUMES AT WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL CENTER
HONOLULU — The Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) hosted its annual Hoʻike event Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, showcasing the incredible talent of the women at the facility through dance, music and creative writing.
More than 20 inmates performed for honored guests as well as dozens of women housed at the facility. The event theme was “E Ola Ka Inoa,” which means “in the name of our ancestors, we rise.”
Inmate Cheena Andrews, who served as one of the emcees, shared with attendees that the performances represent “a return to our roots, a reconnection to the mana.”
The Hoʻike also served as a ceremony of healing, strength and identity.
Director Tommy Johnson of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR), Deputy Director Sanna Muñoz of the Rehabilitation Services and Programs Division, Corrections Program Services Division Administrator Frank Young, Corrections Education Program Manager Roseanne Propato, WCCC Warden Ione ‘Noni” Guillonta; Windward Community College (WCC) Puʻuhonua Program Coordinator Tishalynn “Haunani” Reed, Reentry Oversight Specialist Kimberly Takata of the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission and Commissioner Muhtadia Rice of the Honolulu Ethics Commission were among the honored guests that attended the event.
During the event, the women performed dances that included the hula, haka and siva, reflecting the diverse cultures of the Pacific. Participants also sang songs and played music.
Thursday’s event was significant because it marked its revival as the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to the Hoʻike. The last time the facility hosted it was in 2019.
WCCC started the annual Hoʻike in 2011.
DCR Director Tommy Johnson thanked the participants for showcasing their talent. “We are extremely proud of all of the women,” Johnson said.
He also thanked facility staff members for their hard work organizing the event as well as community partners for their unwavering support.
The collective efforts of our facility staff and community partners are integral to the rehabilitation of those in our custody and care,” Johnson said.
Facility staff and community partners include WCCC Education Supervisor Kahaʻe Maikai-Iakopo and staff; WCCC recreation specialists Larson Medina and Marina Hutchinson, facility security staff; Windward Community College’s Puʻuhonua Program; Creative Writing Project facilitators Colleen Rost-Banik, Mary Tam, Kylie Akiona and Kohana Pham; Kumu Malina Kaulukukuʻi; and Toastmasters International facilitators Paulette Williams and former Gov. Linda Lingle.
WCCC Warden Ione “Noni” Guillonta said, “We are elated to resume this annual event that reminds women of their self-worth.”
WCCC Education Supervisor Kahaʻe Maikai-Iakopo, who coordinated the event, said, “We are elated to revive this cherished tradition and inspire our women to overcome adversity through the power of art.”
Footage and photos of the Hoʻike are available at the following link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-s-cUEetCErIDNMJNIJGB4SPLG2UdByF?usp=sharing
Images are courtesy of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Media contact:
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