Volunteers Step In to Make Repairs at Correctional Facility

The 334-bed facility benefited from the civic generosity of leaders from the business and faith-based communities “who opened their checkbooks and hearts,” Lt. Governor Aiona said.

The project comes at a time when the correctional facility is faced with the challenge of competing for scarcer government resources.

The 15-day project included replacing dilapidated and leaky roofs on four buildings at the correctional facility. In addition, two faith-based organizations covered the expense for replacing heavily-soiled carpets at the facility. Also, a transportation company replaced with more reliable vehicles the exiting ones that have been known to occasionally break down when transporting inmates.

“These contributions truly reflect a commitment to helping our state improve its correctional facilities,” Lt. Governor Aiona said. “They also offer important encouragement as we seek to emerge stronger from our current economic conditions.”

Among those joining Lt. Governor Aiona at the Sept. 17 dedication ceremony for the project were Clayton Frank, director of the Department of Public Safety, and Jodie Maesaka-Hirata, acting warden of Waiawa Correctional Facility.  Also in attendance were representatives from an estimated 20 faith-based organizations and businesses that participated in the project.

“Having a caring attitude is an essential part of being involved in your community,” said Scott Jimenez, president of Beachside Roofing. “Our employees take pride in knowing that we are helping to positively affect conditions at the Waiawa Correctional Facility.”