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 Oahu Community Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Oahu 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 Oahu Community Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Oahu 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 Oahu Community Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Oahu Community Correctional Center
   2199 Kamehameha Hwy
   Honolulu, HI 96819
   Phone: (808) 832-1777

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Oahu 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) 832-1777 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 Oahu 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 Oahu Community Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Oahu 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 Oahu Community Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Oahu 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 Oahu 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 Oahu 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 Oahu 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

Reintegration programming for male sentenced felons forms a cornerstone of services at the Oahu Community Correctional Center, alongside comprehensive support for the pre-trial population. The facility provides substance abuse treatment, domestic violence intervention, cognitive skills development, and parenting programs for sentenced inmates. Pre-trial detainees have access to educational opportunities, self-improvement courses, and religious programming designed to support personal growth during their stay.

Work opportunities through Correctional Industries offer practical skill development, with positions primarily focused on light construction projects including office wall panel construction and installation. The facility typically employs over 400 inmates annually in various in-facility worklines that provide essential support services, including kitchen operations. Community service worklines, work furlough, and extended furlough programs may help eligible inmates maintain connections to the community while serving their sentences.

Beyond the specific programs mentioned, the facility may offer additional services common to correctional institutions, such as basic literacy education, GED preparation, and mental health counseling. Library services and recreational activities often support inmates' personal development, while medical and dental care address healthcare needs. The combination of educational, vocational, and therapeutic programming aims to prepare inmates for successful community reintegration while maintaining facility operations through meaningful work assignments.

Daily Life & Visitation

At the Oahu Community Correctional Center, the 950-bed facility operates on structured schedules that accommodate both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates across its 16-acre urban Honolulu location. The facility's comprehensive programming begins early in the day, with educational and self-improvement opportunities available to pre-trial populations, while sentenced inmates may participate in substance abuse treatment, cognitive skills development, or domestic violence programs. Work assignments through Correctional Industries typically involve light construction projects, including office wall panel construction and installation, with over 400 inmates employed annually in various in-facility worklines that support essential services like kitchen operations.

Communication with family and friends occurs through the Global Tel Link (GTL) system, which has provided both landline and wireless phone services since February 2018. Inmates also have access to tablet services that enable video visitation calls and other program features, implemented in September 2021. The facility maintains specific visitation schedules and guidelines, with families able to call the dedicated visitation hotline at (808) 832-1633 for current information. Financial support from loved ones has been streamlined through electronic deposits into inmate trust accounts via the GTL/ViaPath Connect Network, available since October 2022.

The structured environment at OCCC balances security requirements with reintegration preparation, particularly for sentenced male felons who may access work furlough and extended furlough programs. Religious services, parenting classes, and community service worklines provide additional structure to daily routines. The facility's location in urban Honolulu allows for various community connections while maintaining the security necessary for housing both pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings and sentenced individuals working toward successful reentry into Hawaiian communities.