Kamehameha Schools recently provided a collection of books with Hawaiian culture and language themes for Native Hawaiian inmates and others from Hawai‘i currently incarcerated at Saguaro Prison in Arizona. The prison is currently home to more than 1,900 inmates from Hawai‘i.

The outreach effort was also made possible through the work of Annelle Amaral of the Hawai‘i Parole Board and president of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, who alerted KS’ Community Relations Division team about the opportunity to help the Hawai‘i inmates supplement their library. The Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety also assisted in the partnership, and made sure that the books would be received and put to use at the prison.

“While at the prison in Arizona, the Hawaiian inmates did a haka for us and welcomed us with chants and a ceremony,” Amaral said. “They showed us their library and na mea Hawai‘i they have collected over the years. Our Hawaiian prisoners cling to their culture and identity to get themselves through the difficulties of being separated from home, family and culture. The books donated by Kamehameha Schools help to support inmates’ efforts to preserve their culture, language and identity.”

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Kaipuolono Article, Themes, Culture, Community, KS Announcements, Newsroom, Community Education, Department News, News Briefs

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