State fix-it program up for award

By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

A state program in which O'ahu prison inmates refurbish desks and chairs for public schools is a semifinalist for a national innovation award.

The program, which saved the state tens of thousands of dollars, was selected as one of 10 regional semifinalists for the Council of State Governments' 2001 Innovations Award. It involves the state Department of Public Safety, Department of Education, and Department of Accounting and General Services.

Before the program, the Department of Education discarded old and broken furniture and bought new ones at $25 per chair and $75 per desk. But through the program, inmates provide new or refurbished chairs and desks at $15 and $38 each, respectively.

"This program is beneficial in so many ways," said Gov. Ben Cayetano. "Our students have an improved learning environment. Our inmates have constructive work to do. The state saves money. It is a shining example of how, with a little innovative thinking, government can better serve the people of Hawai'i."

The program began in May 2000, when former state Comptroller Ray Sato sought the Public Safety Department's help because the state did not have enough resources to buy new chairs and desks for Leilehua High School. Inmates at Halawa Correctional Facility refurbished more than 700 chairs and desks that summer, saving the state about $12,000, said Jim Richardson, central services chief at the Department of Accounting and General Services.

Inmates at the Halawa and the Waiawa correctional facilities also refurbished more than 500 desk/chairs for Dole Middle School and King David Kalakaua School, saving the state about $34,600, Richardson said.

"The project has been so successful that we have continued it here on O'ahu and plan to expand to all islands soon," said Public Safety Director Ted Sakai. "The inmates gain the personal satisfaction of knowing that their work is going to help Hawai'i's children."

State officials have been asked to make a presentation about the program at the Council of State Governments-WEST annual meeting in Whistler, British Columbia, on July 27. Two semifinalists will be selected for awards.