Big Island News: Ohana Hoopakele Against Closing of Kulani Prison
Ohana Hoopakele held a press conference in front of the “Splintered Paddle” monument at the Hilo Judicial Building this morning at 10 am. Speakers included Sam Kaleleiki, President of Ohana Hoopakele; Jim Albertini, President of Malu `Aina, Kale Gumapac, President of Kanaka Council; Cory Hardin for the Sierra Club; Kini Burke, Skippy Ioane and Calvin Kaleiwahea. Photos are available upon request. Following is the press release of Ohana Hoopakele. Press packet also included letters from Dante Carpenter, Advisor to Ohana Hoopakele, Rev. Sala W.J. Nolan Gonzales, Minister for Criminal Justice and Human Rights of the United Church of Christ, a map of the 200 acres at Kulani Correctional Facility and an Ohana Hoopakele brochure. Longtime advocate for pa`ahao incarcerated in prisons both in Hawai`i and on the continental United States of America, Ohana Hoopakele announced its opposition to the closing of Kulani Correctional Facility on the island of Hawai`i. Ohana Hoopakele has long been an advocate for an alternative for prisons in the form of a pu`uhonua or a wellness center for pa`ahao. It believes that a model pu`uhonua should be built at the site of Kulani Correctional Facility upon the 200 acres site. Kulani has the site and personnel that most resembles a pu`uhonua and can become self-sufficient financially. Ohana Hoopakele members researched the infrastructure and history of the Kulani facility. Years ago Kulani had 300 pigs and 200 cattle at a site with a million gallon reservoir. It has woodwork facilities, motor vehicle repair shop, a gym with body-building equipment, an educational center and computer center that can train pa`ahao to lead financially sound lives upon release. Providing human labor, maile leis, woodcraft and repairs of state motor vehicles has helped save the State of Hawaii at least $200,000 per year for the last twelve years. Of all the facilities under the control of the Department of Public Safety Kulani is the closest to being self-sufficient. There is even rumor that the State of Hawai`i Department of Defense wants Kulani for a military training area. Keep Kulani Correctional Facility open! Build a model pu`uhonua upon the Kulani site! Ohana Hoopakele contact: Samuel Kaleleiki Jr., President Cell: 808-937-7193 P.O. Box 5530 Hilo, HI 96720 Or email: ronsan2224@aol.com |
