Over the weekend, the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) transformed its Maunawili Cottage courtyard into a space of festive joy for its “Star Light, Star Bright” ʻOhana Day event. In a scene of holiday cheer, around 40 incarcerated women and over 70 family members, including children, gathered on December 6 for a Christmas-themed reunion, as reported by the Office of the Governor of Hawaii.
The annual gathering, aimed at maintaining the vital connections between these women and their families, saw donations contributing to flights for family members from neighboring islands. The Puʻa Foundation and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu’s Prison Ministry, which has a two-decade history working with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR), were the primary sponsors. Executive Director of the Puʻa Foundation, Toni Bissen, emphasized to the gathering the importance of these reunions, saying, "It’s important to have this opportunity to eat together, to have fun together in this festive time," as stated on the event’s recap.
Activities during the three-hour event included a puppet show, arts and crafts, and a visit by Santa Claus, ensuring that families could create memories in what might otherwise be a challenging season. The agenda also featured a variety of wholesome family activities that went beyond the typical visitation experience. The day was not just a respite but a potential catalyst for long-term change; studies have consistently shown that family support is crucial in reducing recidivism among justice-involved individuals.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) Director, Tommy Johnson, expressed his gratitude toward the corrections officers, staff, and volunteers who made the 'Ohana Day possible. He told event attendees, "‘Ohana Day reminds those in our custody and care what’s important — family connections and reunification." In the statements obtained by the Governor's Office's website, the emphasis was placed on the shared humanity and the importance of nurturing family bonds even within the confines of correctional institutions.
