Antone S. Olim treated everyone equally and "didn't pull any punches," said Olim's son, Anthony. ANTONE S. OLIM / 1917-2002
Former OCCC warden
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oversaw vast changesBy Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com"He was respected by inmates and workers," Anthony said.
Olim, former superintendent of the Oahu Community Correctional Center, died Friday at St. Francis Medical Center. He was 85.
Olim was born on Jan. 3, 1917, in Ewa.
On Aug. 1, 1941, Olim made the transition from a milk route salesman to a guard at the old Oahu Prison after one of his three brothers, who were involved in the prison system, encouraged him to apply.
Thirty-three years later, Olim was the superintendent of the prison, which later became the Oahu Community Correctional Center.
During his career he witnessed three hangings as well as inmate strikes and riots.
As superintendent of the facility, Olim faced criticism of prison operations.
Despite the criticism, Olim survived massive changes in the prison system during the mid-1970s.
"He was an honest and fair man. ... He always stuck to his word," said Anthony. "You knew where you stood with him."
After spending 40 years of service with the state prison system, Olim retired on July 31, 1981.
Anthony Olim described his father as a hard worker who was dedicated to his job as well as his family.
"When he left the job, he wasn't the type of guy who took the job home with him," said Anthony.
Olim is also survived by son Patrick, sister Augusta Texeira, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hawaiian Memorial Park.