Hawaii Prison System to Convert Dormitory for Inmates Needing Mental Health Care
The state prison system in Hawaii plans to convert a dormitory at the minimum-security Waiawa Correctional Facility into a therapeutic environment for dozens of inmates with mental illnesses who are currently housed at Hālawa Correctional Facility. These inmates will be…
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 21, 2026 —
The Hawaii Department of Public Safety plans to repurpose a dormitory at the minimum-security Waiawa Correctional Facility to create a therapeutic environment for inmates with mental illnesses. The initiative is set to accommodate dozens of individuals currently housed at the Hālawa Correctional Facility.
The targeted inmates for this new therapeutic setting will meet specific criteria: they must be classified as minimum-security, have demonstrated stability on their prescribed medications, and be approaching their parole or release dates.
This development is a direct response to a class-action lawsuit filed over concerns regarding inadequate mental health services within the state’s prison system. The conversion of the dormitory is part of the settlement agreement aimed at addressing these deficiencies.
Further details regarding the timeline for the dormitory conversion and the specific capacity of the new therapeutic environment were not immediately available. The Department of Public Safety has indicated that the program will focus on providing a supportive setting for inmates managing mental health conditions as they prepare for reintegration into the community.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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