The State is in the initial stages of studies and plans to build a new jail in Honolulu. But before it’s fully funded, a task force is studying if a new facility is needed. HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.
Wayne Yoshioka is an award-winning journalist who has worked in television, print and radio in Hawaiʻi. He also has been on both sides of politics as a state departmental appointee and political/government reporter. He covered Hurricane Iwa (1982) as a TV reporter; was the State Department of Defense/Civil Defense spokesperson for Hurricane Iniki (1992); and, commanded a public affairs detachment in Afghanistan (2006). He has a master's degree in Communication from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and is a decorated combat veteran (Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and 22 other commendation/service medals). He resides in Honolulu.
The Honolulu Federal Detention Center could be back on the table to replace the deteriorating and overpopulated Oʻahu Community Correctional Center. HPR’s Ashley Mizuo reports that Gov. Josh Green has asked the Trump administration to consider allowing the state to acquire the underutilized federal prison.
Hawaiʻi lawmakers passed the state budget Wednesday that includes $30 million to complete the planning for a new jail to replace the deteriorating and overpopulated Oʻahu Community Correctional Center.