Kaneshiro’s legacy
new Big Isle prison,
lawmaker says

The prisons chief says it's
time for him to move to
the private sector

By Craig Gima
Star-Bulletin

After successfully lobbying the governor and the Legislature to commit to building a new medium-security prison on the Big Island, Public Safety Director Keith Kaneshiro is leaving his post.

Kaneshiro, who also served two terms as Honolulu prosecutor, said he is retiring at the end of the month to start up a private security and protection firm.

"Now that the groundwork for the new prison project is firmly established, I feel it is time to pursue another career, outside government service," Kaneshiro wrote in a letter to Gov. Ben Cayetano.

Kaneshiro also noted that the department now has a new computer system, a victim services program, and a special operations group within the department with law enforcement working closely with corrections officers to detect drugs and prison contraband.

Cayetano appointed Kaneshiro to the Cabinet position in 1996. At the time, Kaneshiro said increasing prison space would be the cornerstone of his public safety program.

Kaneshiro pushed for expansion of existing prison facilities and the construction of a tent city to house inmates at Waiawa and lobbied for more funds to send inmates out of state.

Still, Hawaii's prisons remain overcrowded.

In Kaneshiro's first year as public safety director, Hawaii's prison population increased 21.6 percent -- growing from 3,092 to 4,491. Hawaii led the nation in the rate of prison growth.

"Keith Kaneshiro has done an excellent job improving our prison system and managing the Department of Public Safety," Cayetano said. "During his tenure, he has lived up to his reputation as being a tough and fair-minded administrator." Matt Matsunaga (D, Palolo), Senate Judiciary Committee co-chairman, was surprised at the announcement and said Kaneshiro will be missed.

"He has been a strong advocate for providing for adequate prison space in this state. I hope that his vision will be realized," Matsunaga said.

Matsunaga said Kaneshiro's legacy will be the construction of a new medium-security prison.

"Keith is like a bulldog when he focuses on a project. He's relentless and he's focused and very driven," he said.

"It took somebody like Keith to help focus attention on the problem and the shortage that that brings about -- the possible unconstitutional conditions for prisoners, added stress on guards, and early release of prisoners who should not be released."

Deputy Director Cora Lum will serve as acting director of public safety when Kaneshiro retires.

Kaneshiro will also continue to work on Cayetano's re-election campaign.