Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (formerly Department of Public Safety)

More than 100 million gallons of fuel have been drained from the Navy Red Hill underground fuel facility, but residual fumes could still pose a risk to workers and neighboring communities. Kathleen Ho, the deputy environmental director for the state Department of Health, said health officials raised those concerns with the Navy.

Local artists and inmates unveiled life-size murals at Hawaiʻi's only women's prison, located in Windward Oʻahu. One mural featuring at least 20 species of marine life is roughly 18 feet tall and 50 feet wide. The project hopes to promote tranquility and liveliness. HPR's Cassie Ordonio reports.

Several inmates at the Halawa Correctional Facility on Oʻahu received their associate degrees in May through a program offered by Chaminade University. Among them was Big Island native Kelson Akeo.

With more than 300 vacancies for adult corrections officers, the Department of Public Safety is looking at ways to get new staffing. Vacancies lead to overtime costs. In 2021, the state spent around $29.4 million in overtime for the department. This year, they're on track to spend $37 million in overtime. HPR's Sabrina Bodon reports.

Three essential worker groups are trying to branch off and make their own units this session, including emergency dispatchers, adult correction officers and the Honolulu Emergency Services Department. HPR's Sabrina Bodon reports.

A group is hosting vigils outside of an O’ahu prison during Lent because they can’t get the OK to go inside. Staffing shortages over the years have presented the need to prioritize security over some other nonessential services, including chapel. HPR’s Sabrina Bodon reports on how this came to be.

As the state bifurcates the Department of Public Safety into two departments, some of the functions will remain the same, but some operations will transfer into the new Department of Law Enforcement.

Gov. Josh Green has officially named a director for every state department. Most nominees have decades of experience in related government agencies, while a handful of people come from the private sector.

Formerly incarcerated people will be given new resources as they leave prison due to a microgrant for the Kauaʻi reentry services program. Packs will contain bus passes, taxi vouchers, gift cards and a list of resources. HPR's Sabrina Bodon reports.

Correctional facilities across Hawaiʻi face staffing shortages and oftentimes, overpopulation. HPR’s Sabrina Bodon reports on the state’s audit into staffing, and how low staffing is being handled at Oʻahu Community Correctional Center.