HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The design phase continues for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's vision of transforming the correctional system into a restorative and re-entry-focused system that reduces recidivism and promotes safer communities.
New OCCC Warden John Schell comes with more than 30 years of experience in corrections and said he wants to see a modern facility that runs efficiently and incorporates cultural values.
"Our goal is no longer to just lock people up. It's to help them get the tools and resources that they need so that when they get out in the community, they have a choice not to come back," said Schell.
"I want to make it the best I can make it and to me, that means bringing in some new ideas that still fit within the cultural acceptances and things that we do in Hawaii. That makes Hawaii unique and special," he added.
The state has budgeted $14.5 million for the design phase.
Schell and several state officials recently toured a new jail in Indiana and saw how using technology and innovative design can provide a safer jail and require less staffing.
Currently, the state has struggled to fill about 100 positions at OCCC.
"Since we are unable to hire enough people to do the job, we need to look at ways that we can safely protect the community and reach these goals with fewer staff," said Schell.
This is a conceptual rendering of a new jail that would house 11,000 inmates. According to DAGS and DCR, the project will also include a new transitional center that's separate from the jail, but still on the property.
"It's focused on those people who are transitioning out of jails and prisons rather than those people who are transitioning into jails and prisons."
The new jail will be built on the site where the animal quarantine facility in Halawa is currently located.
The idea does not sit well with residents in the area but Schell said they continue to do extensive outreach to include community concerns and concepts.
"Understanding that we're not always a popular thing. We're trying to make it better for the community at large, as well as for my staff and the inmate population."