Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 79° Today's Paper


Top News

OCCC running on backup generators following power outage

STAR-ADVERTISER / DEC. 15, 2011

This view of a guard tower at the Oahu Correctional Community Center in Kalihi is near the Kamehameha Highway entrance.

Oahu Community Correctional Center in Kalihi has been without power since Friday afternoon — backup generators supplying a source of power following an electrical outage.

Prison officials said in a press release today that despite the limited power source all of cells and modules are secure.

“Our correctional staff are trained for situations such as these. Despite the uncomfortable conditions, they are doing an excellent job providing a safe and secure environment for staff as well as inmates, and at no time has there been any risk to public safety,” said Nolan Espinda, Public Safety Director.

However, the prison’s air conditioning system is not connected to the generators.

To alleviate the uncomfortable conditions, staff have been allowing inmates to have longer recreational periods in the outside recreation yard. They are also looking at alternative ways to cool down the modules while the electricity problem is being assessed.

Electrical contractors are working to fix the problem, the Department of Public Safety said in a written statement.

Arraignments and pleas normally conducted using the prison’s video system to the downtown Circuit Court rooms had to be postponed until Thursday because of the power outage.

We apologize for the inconvenience; our commenting system is currently undergoing some technical issues. Our team is working to resolve the problem, and hope for it to be back up soon. Thank you for your patience and understanding.