OAHU, Hawaii—Hawaii officials have announced significant refinements to the design of the new Oahu jail that will replace the aging Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC), emphasizing that the updated plans will prioritize rehabilitation programs while responding to community feedback.
The most notable design change removes the Community Transition Center (CTC) from the new jail site. Instead, the state will expand the existing Laumaka Work Furlough Center in Kalihi to house the CTC’s programs and residents. Officials say this shift streamlines the layout of the new jail and better aligns with community preferences gathered over the past two years.
Although the transition center component has been relocated, planners say the design of the new jail remains focused on improving conditions for rehabilitation, reentry and treatment programs. One of the notable limitations of the current OCCC facility is a lack of space to support these initiatives. The new design includes dedicated areas meant to address that shortfall.
“The programming objectives remain the same,” said Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections Director Tommy Johnson. “The new facility is being designed with adequate space to implement programs that reduce recidivism and prepare people for successful reentry.”
The state has not yet finalized the jail’s design, but the shift away from the CTC as part of the main jail complex will simplify the overall structure, allowing planners to focus more fully on housing, rehabilitative spaces and support services within the secure perimeter.
The project is being delivered through a Public-Private Partnership, which allows for design flexibility within the framework of performance standards. While the Request for Proposals has not yet been issued, officials say adaptability will be built into the agreement so the facility can adjust to changes in population levels and security classifications over time. They noted that operational responsibility will remain with the state; privatizing jail operations is not part of the plan.
As the design process continues, planners say the overarching goal remains unchanged: building a modern, humane correctional environment that better supports safety, treatment and successful reentry for people in custody.
For more information contact Maureen Nelson, Pineapple Tweed PR & Marketing; maureen@pineappletweed.com
