Inmate Disturbance Reported To Be Under Control

HAWAII ISLAND – The Hawaii Department of Public Safety is reporting a lockdown at Kulani Correctional Facility due to an inmate disturbance.

At approximately 6:50 p.m. an inmate at the Kulani Correctional Facility refused to go into his dorm. Other inmates came out to see what was happening. Staff immediately implemented crisis response procedures to peacefully end the situation. The inmates were sent back to their dorms and a lockdown was initiated. All inmates are accounted for. No injuries were reported.Hawaii Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety says Hawaii Community Correctional Center, State Sheriffs and Hawaii County Police were contacted to standby for possible assistance as a precaution. The circumstances surrounding the situation are under investigation.

UPDATE: Visits to Kulani are cancelled for Saturday.

Kulani Correctional Facility visits have been cancelled due to the current lockdown and on-going investigation into Friday’s inmate disturbance at the facility. All scheduled Saturday visitors can reschedule for Sunday.Hawaii Department of Public Safety

Kulani is considered a minimum security facility. It re-opened last July after a sudden closure in 2009.

Mauna Kea as seen from Kulani last summer. Photo courtesy The Hawaii Department of Public Safety.