Hawaii Department of Corrections (HI DOC) Guide for Inmates
Overview of the Facility
The Hawaii Department of Corrections (HI DOC), also known as the Hawaii Department of Public Safety (DPS), oversees the state's correctional facilities and programs. It manages multiple correctional centers and community correctional centers across the Hawaiian Islands.
Contact Information
Address: 919 Ala Moana Blvd. 4th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone: (808) 587-1288
Website: https://dps.hawaii.gov/about/divisions/corrections/
Email: [email protected]
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate in the Hawaii correctional system, you can use the online Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) service. Visit the VINE website and enter the inmate's name or ID number.
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation policies and hours vary by facility. Contact the specific correctional center where the inmate is housed for detailed information. Generally, visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list and follow dress code and conduct rules.
How to Send Money
Inmates can receive money through various methods:
- Online: Use Access Corrections
- Phone: Call 1-866-345-1884 to make a deposit using a credit or debit card
- Mail: Send a money order to the inmate's specific facility
Phone Calls and Video Options
Phone services are provided through Global Tel Link (GTL). Inmates can make collect calls or use pre-paid phone accounts. Video visitation may be available at some facilities, but availability and procedures vary.
Inmate Services and Programs
HI DOC offers various programs including:
- Education and vocational training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Mental health services
- Religious services
- Reentry programs
History of the Facility
The Hawaii Department of Public Safety was established in 1989, combining the previous Department of Corrections, Sheriff Division, and Narcotics Enforcement Division into a single agency.
Security and Management Information
HI DOC operates facilities with various security levels, from minimum to maximum security. Each facility has its own management team and security protocols to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and the public.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. They also have the right to receive visits from approved family members and friends, subject to facility rules and schedules.
Booking and Release Process
The booking process involves intake, medical screening, and classification. Upon release, inmates may be eligible for work furlough or other reentry programs to assist with their transition back into the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I send to an inmate?
Approved items vary by facility but may include letters, photos, and money orders. Contact the specific facility for a list of permitted items.
How can I apply for visitation?
Contact the facility where the inmate is housed to request a visitation application. You'll need to provide personal information and undergo a background check.
Are there work opportunities for inmates?
Yes, many facilities offer work programs. These may include in-facility jobs or, for eligible inmates, work furlough programs in the community.
Famous Prisoners
While the Hawaii Department of Corrections doesn't typically house many famous prisoners, here are a few notable cases:
- Byran Uyesugi - Convicted for the 1999 Xerox murders, the worst mass murder in Hawaii's history.
- Jason Lee McCormick - Convicted for the 1996 murder of Robert Henderson, a visiting professor from the University of Pittsburgh.
- Kirk Lankford - Found guilty of murdering Masumi Watanabe, a Japanese visitor, in 2007.
