How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Hawaii Community Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Hawaii Community Correctional Center is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Hawaii Community Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Hawaii Community Correctional Center

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Hawaii Community Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Hawaii Community Correctional Center?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Hawaii Community Correctional Center?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Hawaii Community Correctional Center. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Hawaii Community Correctional Center. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Hawaii Community Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Hawaii Community Correctional Center
   60 Punahele St
   Hilo, HI 96720
   Phone: (808) 933-0428

5. What are the visiting hours at Hawaii Community Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Hawaii Community Correctional Center vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (808) 933-0428 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Hawaii Community Correctional Center?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Hawaii Community Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Hawaii Community Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Hawaii Community Correctional Center through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Hawaii Community Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Hawaii Community Correctional Center, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Hawaii Community Correctional Center?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Hawaii Community Correctional Center for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Hawaii Community Correctional Center, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Hawaii Community Correctional Center (HCCC) operates a comprehensive reintegration program called Hale Nani, located in the Panaewa area, which provides specialized work release services and reintegration support for sentenced inmates preparing to return to the community on Hawaii’s Big Island. This facility-based approach to rehabilitation emphasizes practical preparation for release through structured programming and community connections. HCCC also maintains transitional community residential program services specifically designed for female offenders, recognizing the comprehensive needs and challenges faced by women in the correctional system.

Work opportunities form a central component of HCCC’s programming, with inmates participating in various in-facility worklines and Correctional Industries programs that may provide valuable job skills and work experience. The facility coordinates community service worklines that allow inmates to contribute to county, state, and non-profit organizations, fostering community connections while developing a sense of civic responsibility. These work programs typically complement other rehabilitative services that may include educational programming, vocational training, and substance abuse counseling, though specific details of these additional services are not specified in available facility information.

Modern communication and support services at HCCC include inmate phone services through Global Tel Link (GTL), enabling calls to both landline and wireless phones, and tablet services that facilitate video visitation calls and access to various program services. The facility has also implemented electronic deposit services for inmate trust accounts, streamlining the process for families and friends to provide financial support. While housed in a 226-bed facility across two sites in the Hilo area, inmates may also have access to typical correctional programming such as mental health services, library resources, and recreational activities, though these services would need to be confirmed directly with the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

At the Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo, residents wake each morning in the 226-bed facility situated on three acres in downtown Hilo, where structured routines guide every aspect of their day. The facility operates across two sites, with the main location housing most daily activities while the Hale Nani reintegration program, located five miles away in Panaewa, provides specialized services for those preparing for release. Inmates typically begin their days with scheduled counts and meals, followed by work assignments that may include participation in Correctional Industries programs or community service worklines supporting county, state, and non-profit organizations throughout Hawaii County.

Communication with family and friends forms an important part of daily life, with phone services provided through Global Tel Link (GTL) allowing calls to both landline and wireless phones. Since September 2021, residents have also gained access to inmate tablets through GTL, which enable video visits and access to various program services, helping maintain crucial family connections. The facility accepts electronic deposits into inmate trust accounts through the GTL/ViaPath Connect Network, making it easier for families to provide financial support. Visitation schedules and guidelines are regularly updated, with specific rules and procedures available to help families navigate the process of staying connected with their incarcerated loved ones.

For those nearing release, particularly sentenced inmates who will return to Hawaii Island, the Hale Nani program offers specialized reintegration services and work release opportunities designed to ease the transition back into the community. Female offenders may access contracted transitional community residential program services, providing additional support during this critical period. Throughout their stay, residents participate in various programming and work opportunities designed to develop skills and maintain productive daily routines, whether through in-facility worklines or community-based assignments that contribute to the broader Hilo community.