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MEDIA RELEASE Public Safety Department officials, family members and friends Friday gathered in Waipio to witness the graduation of the 2014 Sheriff Recruit Class at the Hawaii Okinawa Center. Thirty new deputies were added to the Sheriff Division and will be assigned to positions across the state. The new deputies were presented with graduation certificates, […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The Department of Public Safety welcomed a new class of adult correctional officers at a recent graduation ceremony and luncheon at the Papaikou Hongwanji Hall. 26 recruits graduated from Basic Corrections Training (BCT) and will begin their careers at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center (HCCC). Hawaii Police Department Assistant Chief Henry Tavares was […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The Department of Public Safety has announced the selection of Ruth Coller Forbes as warden of Kulani Correctional Facility. Forbes assumed the position Dec. 1, 2013. “Ruth has a broad knowledge of corrections and management. She is a valuable asset to the department and is committed to carrying out our mission,” Public Safety […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The state Senate has confirmed Theodore I. Sakai as director of the Department of Public Safety. Sakai has been serving as the interim Director of Public Safety since June 1, 2012, when he was appointed by the governor. “Mr. Sakai will undoubtedly serve the public well as Director of the Department of Public […]

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MEDIA RELEASE Gov. Neil Abercrombie has announced the appointment of Max Otani as deputy director of corrections with the state Department of Public Safety, effective immediately. “Max brings decades of experience to his position, from many years ‘on the line’ as a parole and probation officer and in leadership roles at the Hawaii Paroling Authority, […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The second of two meetings on the state Department of Public Safety’s proposed plan to re-open Kulani Correctional Facility is slated for 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 at Keaau Community Center. The Environmental Assessment will be discussed. The meeting is open to the public and questions and comments are welcome. For further information, […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The Hawaii Intake Service Center, an agency within the state Department of Public Safety, has been awarded a Second Chance Act grant of $597,576 through the Office Justice Programs at the U.S. Department of Justice. The award will be used to support pre- and post-release reentry services for medium to high risk sentenced […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The Department of Public Safety (PSD) has released a draft environmental assessment that proposes a plan to reactivate the Kulani Correctional Facility in Hilo. This plan would allow the return of 200 minimum-security male inmates who have two to four years remaining before they are eligible for parole or release. It also calls […]

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MEDIA RELEASE Charging officials of the state Department of Public Safety with unlawful discrimination in deciding who has the right to marry, the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii Foundation on Tuesday filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court on behalf of four women who submitted multiple marriage applications and were banned from being able […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The Department of Public Safety has awarded a contract to Corrections Corporations of America to house inmates on the mainland as it continues to develop its long-term plans to bring Hawaii’s prisoners home. The new contract, at a cost of $45.5 million a year, begins July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2014, allowing […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The state Auditor has released its management audit of the Department of Public Safety’s Contracting for Prison Beds and Services. Interim Public Safety Director Jodie Maesaka-Hirata issued the following statement in response to the report. “The Department acknowledges the recommendations of the Auditor and will address the concerns raised in the report. In […]

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