Lingle releases $800,000 to improve youth prison
Gov. Linda Lingle has released $800,000 to improve security and living conditions at the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility in Kailua, part of efforts to comply with an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
The money will pay for electronic door locks and surveillance systems, replacement of plumbing fixtures, roof repairs and air conditioning.
"The improvements that are being made to the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility will create a safer and more secure environment that is conducive to rehabilitation, which for juvenile offenders is our top priority," Lingle said.
The security cameras and electronic door locks should be installed by March, and the rest of the construction is expected to be done by the fall of 2009.