Blessing Ceremony Celebrates Completed Expansion of Women’s Community Correctional Center in Kailua

A dedication and blessing ceremony marked the official opening of the new expansion to the WCCC.

The $63-million expansion, the largest capital improvement project for the Department of Public Safety in over 30 years, represents a transformative step in the rehabilitation and support of incarcerated women across the state. CGL’s leadership, which was thrilled to attend the ceremony, extends its heartfelt congratulations to the DCR for their partnership and shared dedication to improving the state’s correctional facilities.

CGL CEO Eli Gage attended the blessing ceremony along with project partner Hae-Dong Lee of Bowers Kubota Consulting.

This 56,000-square-foot expansion has added 176 beds within a single housing unit to the facility’s current 276-bed capacity. The additional space will allow the WCCC to serve as a comprehensive hub for incarcerated women by providing a specialized environment focused on rehabilitation and programming tailored to their needs. By transferring all women from the Oahu Community Correctional Center to the expanded WCCC, Hawaii will also relieve longstanding overcrowding, making strides in creating a safer, more positive correctional environment.

CGL’s involvement in this groundbreaking project included the planning, design, and replacement of aging infrastructure, as well as the development of a modernized intake, visitation, and administrative center. The new center is not only a welcoming and secure space but also includes both indoor and outdoor areas where residents can connect with loved ones—a crucial aspect of the rehabilitation journey.

Ken McGinnis, Senior Vice President with CGL and member of the WCCC project team, reflected on the significance of this expansion: “I am passionate about this project because it allows us to create a much-needed space for the women residing here. The prior facilities were overcrowded, outdated, and honestly, quite disheartening. Now, these women have a brand-new visitation area designed to strengthen bonds and nurture a more positive environment. We firmly believe that our surroundings have a powerful effect on our well-being, and this expansion will offer a significantly more uplifting and supportive experience for them.”

The project is the culmination of a collaborative effort between CGL and its esteemed partners, including Bowers + Kubota Consulting as the project’s partner architect, and RLB as the construction manager. CGL’s involvement began in 2015, when the firm was invited to assess all state-run corrections and detention facilities across Hawaii, providing key insights and guidance on maintaining and enhancing facility infrastructure.

The blessing ceremony included remarks from DCR Director Tommy Johnson.

The completed WCCC stands as a beacon of progress, emphasizing the importance of purpose-built spaces in justice facilities that foster rehabilitation, dignity, and connection. This expansion will greatly enhance the state’s ability to serve the women in its care, providing not just a place of confinement, but a space for healing and growth. CGL is proud to have been part of this transformative project and looks forward to continuing its work alongside the Hawaii DCR to support the state’s vision for a better, more effective corrections system.

Read these articles to learn more about the Women’s Community Correctional Center expansion:

$63M women’s prison expansion includes new housing, visitation center – Hawaiinewsnow.com

Expansion completed at Women’s Community Correctional Center – khon2.com