January 14, 2025 – At the Waiawa Correctional Facility (WCF), nine men stood proudly, certificates in hand, marking a major milestone in their lives. They had just completed HCATF’s pre-apprenticeship carpentry program – a six-week course designed to provide real skills, real opportunities, and a real second chance.
For many of these graduates, this wasn’t just about learning carpentry. It was about proving to themselves – and to their families – that they had a future beyond the walls of WCF.
A Program That Opens Doors
A collaboration between HCATF, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR), and Honolulu Community College (HCC), this program offers inmates a pathway to a career in the construction trades. Over six weeks, participants gain hands-on experience in carpentry fundamentals, safety training, and blueprint reading – mirroring the same curriculum offered at HCATF’s main training facility.
“This program is about more than just learning a trade,” said Robert L. Locquiao, an HCATF instructor for the program. “It’s about building confidence and creating a pathway to real careers where these men can provide for themselves and their families.”
This initiative is already making a difference. Since launching in 2024, 24 men and women from WCF and its sister facility, the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC), have completed the training. Six have already been indentured as apprentices with the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters.
Finding Purpose Through Hard Work
For many, this program represents a turning point. Lokahiokalei Liu one of the recent WCF graduates, shared how the experience changed his outlook:
“This program was really good for me,” said Liu. “It gave me confidence and hope for myself. I also learned how this is a career opportunity, not just a job where I can be productive, responsible, and provide for my kids. I didn’t know where I wanted to go in life, but this program has given me direction.” This sense of purpose is what sets this program apart. It’s not just about learning technical skills – it’s about developing the mindset and discipline needed to succeed in the workforce.
The success of the WCF program has led to an expansion of opportunities for women as well. A similar pre-apprenticeship program is already running at the Women’s Community Correctional Center, where female participants are gaining the same hands-on experience and preparing to enter the trades.
“Bringing this program to WCCC is a huge step forward,” said HCATF Executive Director Edmund Aczon. “There’s no reason why women shouldn’t have the same opportunities to build careers in construction, and we’re seeing incredible potential in this first group of participants.”
More Than a Graduation – A New Beginning
As the graduates step beyond the gates of Waiawa, they do so with more than just a certificate. They carry with them the knowledge that they have something valuable to offer and the chance to rebuild their lives in a meaningful way.
“Our goal at Waiawa Correctional Facility is to ensure individuals can be contributing members of the community upon release,” said Roseanne Propato, Corrections Education Program Manager with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. “This program and partnership with HCATF allows for those who are formerly incarcerated to not only contribute, but earn a living wage and contribute to building our community.”
With ongoing support from HCATF, local contractors, and the apprenticeship program, these graduates have the opportunity to transition into full-time careers, earn competitive wages, and create a future that once seemed out of reach.
“Programs like this prove that people can change when given the right opportunities,” said Aczon. “This isn’t just about filling jobs – it’s about changing lives, strengthening families, and building a better future for our community.”
As HCATF continues to invest in apprenticeship programs and workforce development, one thing is clear: when people are given the tools to succeed, they will rise to the challenge.
