Governor Josh Green, M.D.

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

 

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

 

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION

KA ʻOIHANA HOʻOMALU KALAIMA A HOʻOPONOPONO OLA

 

TOMMY JOHNSON

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

  

GED GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR 11 INMATES AT

KULANI CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 13, 2025

HILO, Hawaiʻi — The Kulani Correctional Facility (KCF) hosted a graduation ceremony Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, for 11 inmates who earned their General Education Development (GED) or High School Equivalency diploma while in custody.

Although KCF has had GED graduates in the past, Friday’s event was the first time the facility hosted a graduation ceremony for a group of graduates.

The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) partners with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education McKinley Community School for Adults – Moanalua campus, for the program. Students must have a passing score of 145 in four exams in each of the following subjects — reading/language arts, math, science and social studies — to earn their high school equivalency diploma.

Studies show that individuals who earn their GED while incarcerated are less likely to recidivate.

Principal Helen Sanpei and Lance Jyo participated in the ceremony to honor the graduates.

During the event, DCR Corrections Education Program Manager Roseanne Propato presented diplomas to six graduates. Five of the 11 graduates were not present because four benefitted from a reduction in custody and a fifth transferred to a correctional facility on Oʻahu.

DCR Director Tommy Johnson congratulated all the graduates for their achievements. He also thanked KCF Acting Warden Kenneth Rowe, education staff and community partners for their unwavering support.

“We are truly grateful for the partnerships we have to support those in our custody and care and help transform their lives,” Johnson said.

Deputy Director Sanna Muñoz of the DCR Rehabilitation Services and Programs Division, who attended the graduation ceremony, also praised the graduates for their hard work and determination.

“Today is more than just about receiving your diploma, it is about recognizing your potential, knowing that whatever you decide to set your mind to, whatever goals you lay out for yourself, are achievable,” Muñoz said.

Propato echoed Muñoz’s sentiment. “This accomplishment is the beginning of many more steps you can take toward your future, whether it’s continuing your education, developing new skills, or pursuing the goals that matter most to you,” Propato said during the ceremony.

“We are proud of what you have achieved and look forward to seeing the success you will continue to build from this foundation,” she added.

Graduation ceremony photos, courtesy of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, are available at the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nh6GN3grmgQn775BNQRkcue22V3Q56_k?usp=sharing.

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Media contact:

Rosemarie Bernardo

Public Information Officer

Hawaiʻi Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Office: 808-587-1358

Cell: 808-683-5507

Email:[email protected]

Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov