Last Saturday, the Women's Community Correctional Center held Star Light, Star Bright Kids' Day, where ten mothers were able to hug their eighteen children. Some kids traveled from as far as Maui and Hawaiʻi Island. The event, organized with the Pūʻā Foundation and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu, included gifts for the children, funded by donations. Ten caregivers helped with the event, as reported by the Office of the Governor.
The facility held an event with activities like puppet shows and arts and crafts, supported by 30 volunteers from the Pūʻā Foundation and 12 inmates. Director Tommy Johnson of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation attended. He said, "Event like this for the mothers and the children, staff and volunteers, it reinforces one, the bonds between the mother and child and two, it lets them see that there are other people out there that care about them that want them to succeed." Bishop Larry Silva of the Diocese of Honolulu also attended, offering blessings. The Diocese and the Department of Corrections have worked together for over 20 years to help mothers stay connected with their children. Women's Community Correctional Center Warden Ione "Noni" Guillonta added, "Events like this are critical to help mothers maintain their connection with their children," as stated by the Office of the Governor.
Santa Claus visited the event, bringing presents and photo opportunities for families. After enjoying shave ice and cupcakes, children and caregivers left with gifts, books, and gift cards. The event, captured in photos and video available through a Google Drive link, showed the community's support for these families. "We couldn’t have done this without them," Johnson said, according to a statement from the Office of the Governor. This Christmas program was the sixth Kids' Day event of the year by Women's Community Correctional Center, part of a series of annual events that help strengthen family connections.
