Champions of Change: Up Close

The Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Champions of Change are remarkable people doing extraordinary work. Our employees come to work ready to show inmates in Hawai‘i’s correctional facilities a new path forward. They help those in our custody and care take positive steps to be reintegrated into the community with new marketable skills and newfound confidence.

The following TV interviews, featuring Director Tommy Johnson, employees and our community partners, showcase why the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is proud to call these amazing people Champions of Change!

Tommy Johnson — Director, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

In early 2025, more than a third of the adult corrections officer positions were vacant, and by the end of the year, less than a quarter of these positions were vacant. Director Tommy Johnson explains how the department achieved these positive results and how the department plans to continue its recruitment efforts for adult corrections officers and other positions.

Tommy Johnson

Director, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Robert Siavii, Jr.

Waiawa Correctional Facility

Momi Akana

Keiki O Ka ʻĀina

Dr. Erin Wilkinson & Branden Nakamura

Hālawa Correctional Facility / State Correctional Facilities

Kahaʻe Maikai-Iakopo

Womenʻs Community Correctional Center

Shawntay Yasuda

Hawaiʻi Correctional Industries