Reps Address Big Island Prison Issues

Rep. Cindy Evans and Sen. Will Espero flew to Hilo last Thursday to tour Kulani Correctional Facility, Hale Nani and Hilo Jail and discuss prison conditions at those facilities. Rep. Evans is Chair of the House Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs.

The group held two information sessions, one in the afternoon which was video-conferenced to Waimea and Kona, and one in the evening. Rep. Clift Tsuji attended the afternoon session and Rep. Jerry Chang participated in the evening session.

Besides Big Island prison conditions, the group also discussed the movement of Hawaii inmates from mainland prisons to local ones, prison guard recruitment, reintegration and visitations. The evening session attracted between 20 to 30 people.