Shocking Report Uncovers Toxic Conditions in Hawaii Jails Amid Rising Overtime Abuse

HONOLULU — A recent report reveals a troubling atmosphere in Hawaii’s jails and prisons, making life difficult for correction workers. Many are facing health issues, and some have even considered suicide.

The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission was initially set up to ensure fair treatment for inmates. However, it has found that the working conditions for employees are also severe.

Christin M. Johnson, an oversight coordinator with the commission, noted that workers feel excluded from decisions that impact their roles. This lack of communication fosters a hostile work environment. “When management consistently belittles employees, it drives them away,” Johnson stated.

A year-long survey and meetings with staff unveiled alarming results. Over half of the corrections workers reported that their jobs led to substance abuse problems, and about eight percent said they had thought about suicide.

The commission highlighted several issues contributing to this crisis. Low salaries, poor facilities, forced overtime, insufficient training, and abusive management practices were major concerns. Many employees specifically requested better communication skills training for middle management, who they felt were contributing to the tense atmosphere.

In response, Tommy Johnson, the director of corrections and rehabilitation, acknowledged the issues and is taking steps to improve them. He has instructed facility leaders to engage with staff and implemented changes to ensure training staff can focus on their roles without being reassigned unexpectedly.

Senate discussions have pointed out ongoing challenges, including some guards misusing overtime while others feel frustrated by the lack of accountability. State Senator Glenn Wakai raised concerns regarding whether guards themselves contribute to a stressful work environment.

Mark Patterson, a former facility manager and commissioner, shared that some officers admit to abusing sick leave to take extended breaks. “They do it because they can,” Patterson recalled, underscoring the lack of repercussions for those actions.

According to Johnson, the United Public Workers union has ceased an agreement that once helped manage overtime issues, further complicating morale. He emphasized that workers are upset about defending colleagues who are not showing up for shifts, affecting everyone else who has to fill in.

In response, Kalani Werner, the union’s state director, acknowledged the union’s awareness of the challenges and expressed readiness to collaborate on improving working conditions. He emphasized the need for fair pay and support for staff.

Brandon Elefante, Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee, also recognized that the corrections system has been neglected. He believes there is room for improvements in funding and support to address these longstanding issues affecting state employees.