Hawaiʻi County holds reintegration resource fair to support inmates; help reduce repeat offenders

Sebastian Hernandez is ready for his second chance.

While incarcerated at Kulani Correctional Facility in Hilo, the 33-year old earned his GED, got his driver’s license and maintained a job working at an auto shop.

On Thursday, Hernandez was among the 20 male inmates who chose to participate in the Big Island’s first reintegration resource fair held at the Hale Nani Facility, a jail in Hilo.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has been providing inmates who are serving sentences of a year or more access to support systems, regardless of their offense. The programs, which include substance abuse treatment, education, career technical training and furlough opportunities, help prepare them for life after their release.

However, these programs often are more difficult for people to access on their own. So before they leave jail, the resource fair is a way to introduce inmates to community providers on the outside who offer such help.

“Social services, substance abuse counseling, education programs are all things we can offer inmates, because we want to lift them up, not put them down,” said Tommy Johnson, director of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. “Providers can establish a relationship with them here that can be then fostered when these men and women are released. This makes reintegration a smoother process, which reduces recidivism and creates safer communities.”

Hernandez is about to be released from the correctional facility after nearly 10 years behind bars.

Hernandez said he went to the resources fair because “I wanted to see what was out there and keep making choices that keep me on the right path. Before I was at Kulani, I never had a diploma and I wasn’t very educated as an adult. So, I decided to get my GED, which was a ton of work since I’m not very book-smart.”

While serving his sentence at the Kulani Correctional Facility, Hernandez also learned the basics of auto repair.

When he was moved to Hale Nani, Hernandez started the furlough program and has been able to hold a job with Louie’s Auto Repair. The program allows eligible inmates to actively job seek, establish financial stability, develop pro-social relationships, and find appropriate housing prior to release from incarceration.

“I love to do mechanic work and will still work at Louie’s after I leave,” Hernandez said. “I’m excited to reconnect with family and Iʻm really just grateful for a second chance. I didn’t realize that having good, sober support would help me so much.”

Community organizations participating in the event were all there to connect inmates to programs that will help them succeed in different aspects of life.

Goodwill Hawaiʻi and American Job Center Hawaiʻi were there to talk about their services that help people find gainful employment.

Going Home Hawaiʻi and HOPE Services Hawaiʻi had information on affordable housing options.

Representatives of Hawaiʻi Community College of Hilo presented the inmates with information about the school’s different educational program.

Hawaiʻi County Vehicle Registration & Licensing answered questions about getting licenses and Kumukahi Health and Wellness and Big Island Substance Abuse Council offered options for substance abuse and mental health counseling.

Comprehensive wrap-around services that focus on self-improvement, personal responsibility, and community healing are imperative to creating a foundation that decreases the chances for recidivism, according to Deputy Director Sanna Muñoz of the Rehabilitation Services and Programs Division

“This event demonstrates the importance of a support system,” Muñoz said. “We donʻt want anyone to be ashamed to ask for help, because we as a community want to see you succeed.”

Mayor Kimo Alameda echoed the sentiment when speaking to Hale Nani inmates and the eight community service providers before the fair began.

“Everyone makes mistakes, but I believe in second chances because the sun always rises the next day,” Alameda said. “So as long as you donʻt give up on yourself, we wonʻt give up on you.”

More information about the reintegration programs can be found on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website.