The state's plan to convert Kulani prison into an academic and military training camp for teenagers is being delayed a year, according to a report in the Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii National Guard in July announced plans to open a Youth Challenge Academy next month at the former site of Kulani prison.

But then officials realized program employees must receive a full year of training before they begin working with students.

They also needed to wait for federal funding to be approved for the new camp.

The Guard now aims to welcome its first class of 100 students at Kulani in early 2011. It expects to enroll two classes each year.

The state shut down Kulani prison in October as part of broader government-wide spending cuts to cope with declining tax revenues.