E Hoʻi I Ka Piko (Returning to the Center)

The County of Kaua`i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, through their Life’s Choices program proposes to implement a robust reentry program, entitled E Ho’i I Ka Piko, roughly translated from the Hawaiian language meaning “a return to center.” The purpose is to expand the already existing Go Pack! Program, hire a full-time staff member to work solely on coordinating reentry services, and establish office space for the program outside the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The current Go Pack! Program provides resources to inmates upon release including assistance with obtaining government identification, a resource list, two doses of Naloxone and a monthly bus pass. Having a full-time position to assist with reentry would expand the services and resources offered as well as establish more robust connections with community partners. Having the office space outside the Prosecutor’s Office would allow for continued support in a less intimidating environment and the establishment of actual office space. The projected outcome is a reduction in recidivism and a meaningful connection to home and community for participants (E Ho’i I Ka Piko). The service area would be the County of Kauai with the recipients being anyone released from the County of Kaua’i’s only correctional facility – the Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center – who are in need of support.
This project will serve historically underserved and marginalized communities. The latest demographic data from KCCC indicates a large percentage of minorities, most notably Native Hawaiians. The program will incorporate Native Hawaiian values and will incorporate the input and participation of historically underserved communities through our community partnerships.