Maui prison plans revived

Gov. Lingle surprises lawmakers with news that the once-canceled proposal is on again

Honolulu Star-Bulletin
April 22, 2010

By Richard Borreca

A proposed $235 million prison to replace the overcrowded and dilapidated Maui Community Correctional Center is back on track, according to Gov. Linda Lingle.

After halting plans for the Maui prison last September, Lingle said yesterday she was ready to move ahead with new plans that called for "private financing and phasing of the project" at Puunene.

Lingle had halted discussion on the matter, saying she didn't feel there was enough support among legislative leaders to move ahead with the long-planned facility.

In September Lingle singled out Maui Sen. Shan Tsutsui, who said he was concerned about the cost and how it would fit into Lingle's budget plans, asthe principal stumbling block. Tsutsui was not available for comment yesterday, but other Maui senators said they had not heard of Lingle's new idea.

Sen. J. Kalani English (D, East Maui-Molokai-Lanai) said the announcement caught lawmakers off-guard and that the Democratic caucus asked Sen. Will Espero, chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee, to hold hearings.

"We want to see what she is talking about," said Espero (D, Ewa-Honouliuli-Ewa Beach). "Is this someone providing outside money to the government or is she talking about a privatization plan now."

Lingle said planning and design of the prison is estimated to be completed this year and pending acceptable financing terms, construction of the project could start in 2011 and be completed in 2013 or 2014. According to Lingle's office, the facility would have a maximum of 843 beds with separate compounds for worklines and furlough bed space.

It also would include dayrooms for dining and passive recreation, an outdoor recreation yard, multipurpose rooms for programs such as adult basic education, substance abuse treatment, religious programs and a law library.

In addition, the buildings would be designed for maximum energy efficiency with light monitors, solar water heaters and photovoltaic power.

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