TWELVE MEN AT WCF GRADUATE FROM CARPENTRY PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

HONOLULU - The Waiawa Correctional Facility (WCF) hosted a graduation ceremony Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, for 12 men who earned a certificate after completing the Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

The six-week program is available to inmates at the facility and at the Women's Community Correctional Center (WCCC), thanks to a partnership between the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR), Honolulu Community College (HCC) and the Hawaiʻi Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund (HCATF).

The completion of the pre-apprenticeship program creates a direct entry as apprentice carpenters with the HCATF upon their release.

DCR Director Tommy Johnson, Deputy Director Sanna Muñoz of the Rehabilitation Services and Programs Division, Corrections Program Services Administrator Frank Young, Corrections Education Program Manager Roseanne Propato, WCF Warden Sean Ornellas, HCATF Executive Director Edmund Aczon, HCATF Instructor Robert Locquiao and the graduates' family members and loved ones were among the honored guests that attended the ceremony.

During the event, graduate Cody Mikami thanked Director Tommy Johnson, facility staff, HCATF and HCC for "believing in us, investing in us, (and) bringing this program here to help rehabilitate us to prepare us to succeed out there."

"And thank you for helping us find our self-confidence again," Mikami said.

In the program, participants acquire essential carpentry skills such as mathematics, blueprint reading, framing and drywall installation. Students are also trained in Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards as well as first aid and CPR.

One of the 12 graduates recently benefitted from a reduction in custody and is no longer at WCF.

During the ceremony, DCR Director Tommy Johnson congratulated the men for their achievements. "I applaud the graduates for your hard work, your dedication and completing this program and for taking the initiative to change the trajectory of your own lives through education and real-world skill-building which is what this program does," Johnson said.

He also thanked facility staff, HCC and HCATF for their dedication and invaluable partnership.

"This program is a prime example of DCR's focus on rehabilitation, equipping those in our custody and care with viable skills as they prepare to reintegrate into the community," Johnson added.

During the ceremony, HCATF Executive Director Edmund Aczon also congratulated the graduates. "It's an honor to recognize your achievement today. Over the past six weeks, you've shown dedication, resilience, and a strong work ethic," Aczon said. "You've gained valuable skills and laid the foundation for a promising future."

"The tools you've gained here are not just for building structures, they're for building your life. Move forward with confidence and pride," he added.

DCR Corrections Education Program Manager Roseanne Propato said, "This achievement is not only a reflection of their hard work and dedication, but also a testament to what is possible when education, opportunity, and community come together."

"We are incredibly proud of them and wish them nothing but continued success on this next chapter of their journey," Propato added.

WCF Education Supervisor Kerry Iwashita commended the graduates for their commitment and teamwork. "All of the students worked tremendously hard to get here today," Iwashita said. "This program provides individuals a goal to transform their lives."

A total of 43 graduates - 30 men from WCF and 13 women from WCCC - have completed the pre-apprenticeship program since the program's inception in 2023.

Footage and photos of the graduation ceremony, courtesy of DCR and HCATF, are available at the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12yvTkPaCF6gh55zv5PjwyUL33X8Q96ZD?usp=sharing.

Media contacts:
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

Julie Hirano Kaneko for the
Hawaiʻi Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund
Phone: 808-469-6846
Email: [email protected]