Growing Needs

KCCC continues to see a rising influx of inmates with complex mental health needs, requiring staff to evolve and adapt. However, current limitations in resources, training, and infrastructure makes it difficult to meet these challenges effectively. These constraints prevent staff from providing the level of care and support this growing population demands. The urgency of these challenges cannot be overstated. 

Part of the design element will be to create an environment where staff can properly care for those with mental health needs. Additionally, the design will incorporate spaces that allow for the tools and support needed to continue their essential work.

Ensuring a Safe Environment

For decades, KCCC has endured despite aging infrastructure and severe flooding. Longtime discussions for its relocation are now coming to fruition. KCCC is in a designated flood and tsunami zone. What's more, the Kūhiō Highway expansion project is removing one-third of the KCCC property. Given the dire needs for improvements and safety for the inmates and corrections employees, the state Legislature via Act 230, SLH 2024 appropriated $20 million in CIP funds towards building a new jail facility in another location.