The new state commission is supposed to bring a new vision for prisons. But it’s made up of people who have been part of the problem.

Civil Beat reporter Yoohyun Jung and photographer Cory Lum visited six state correctional facilities last week. No surprise, the facilities are overcrowded and seriously in need of repair.

The state’s only re-entry facility for federal inmates closed after the city of Honolulu purchased the building and destined it for drug treatment.

Jodie Maesaka-Hirata is leaving in December and will be replaced by a top DPS administrator.

OCCC has a five-year master plan, but it’s unclear when the five-year period starts or ends, and nobody wants to pay for it. 

From alternatives to incarceration to storytelling to more legal action, experts on law and justice have plenty of thoughts on improving Hawaii’s system.

Maui prosecutors cited Hawaii’s use of force law, which allows deadly force to be used by law enforcement against escaping jail or prison detainees.

A new “Smart Justice” report argues the public would be safer if people got help instead of punishment.

Mike Town, who retired in 2010, was appointed by Senate President Ron Kouchi.

Reforming Hawaii’s aging and overcrowded prisons was a notable accomplishment of the 2019 Legislature. So what’s happened?

Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda also says the final report on the Maui jail riot isn’t quite finished yet.

With laughter, song and tears, six people shared their experiences with the Hawaii prison system at a recent Civil Beat Storytellers event. Watch their videos below.