The state has begun transferring 123 prisoners from Kulani Correctional Facility on the Big Island to prisons on O'ahu.

Kulani, the only prison on the Big Island, is being closed to save money.

The Department of Public Safety's deputy director, Tommy Johnson, said Wednesday that the first 35 prisoners were moved Aug. 13, and the next group is to be moved within 30 days. He said all of the inmates will be relocated by the end of September.

Johnson said 28 of the 35 went to Waiawa Correctional Facility because they need substance abuse treatment. He said the seven others were transferred to Halawa Correctional Facility because they have special medical needs.

Johnson said none of the Kulani inmates are being sent to prisons on the Mainland.