What is the suicide rate in Hawaii's prisons?

Suicides accounted for more than half of all deaths in the state's largest prison and one-third of all deaths in the statewide correctional system over the past two years.

Why are suicides so high in Hawaii correctional facilities?

Experts point to "atrocious" conditions, inadequate mental health treatment for inmates, and severe staffing shortages as key factors contributing to the high suicide rate.

What is being done to address the suicide crisis in Hawaii's prisons?

The state is seeking funds to hire additional health care workers and is piloting new strategies like suicide risk assessment algorithms and biometric monitoring ankle bracelets.

Home / Crime and Justice / Hawaii Prisons: Suicide Deaths Surge

Hawaii Prisons: Suicide Deaths Surge

18 Feb

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Summary

Suicides account for over half of deaths in largest Hawaii prison.
Hawaii inmate suicide rate is significantly higher than national average.
Staffing shortages and inadequate mental health care are major factors.

Over the past two years, confirmed or suspected suicides constituted more than half of all deaths at Hawaii's Hālawa Correctional Facility, the state's largest prison. System-wide, suicides represented one-third of all fatalities during 2024 and 2025, a rate significantly higher than the national average. Experts have cited "atrocious" conditions and inadequate treatment for mentally ill inmates, exacerbated by understaffing.

In response, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is seeking over $2.6 million to hire nearly three dozen new health care workers, including psychiatrists and nurses. New strategies, such as an assessment algorithm and biometric monitoring ankle bracelets, are being piloted to identify and intervene with at-risk prisoners. These measures aim to address the ongoing crisis of preventable deaths in custody.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.

Hawaii Prisons: Suicide Deaths Surge

18 Feb

•

Summary

Suicides account for over half of deaths in largest Hawaii prison.
Hawaii inmate suicide rate is significantly higher than national average.
Staffing shortages and inadequate mental health care are major factors.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.