Culture being used to help prison inmates back into society

The Maui News has a viewpoint by Kanoe Medeiros about the newest Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. programs called Being Empowered and Safe Together (BEST), a reintegration program focused on the transition process of Maui Community Correctional Center inmates to life back in society. It offers eligible individuals various services, one of which is learning Hawaiian culture.

One of the newest Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. programs is Being Empowered and Safe Together (BEST), a reintegration program focused on the transition process of Maui Community Correctional Center inmates to life back in society.

In collaboration with the Department of Public Safety, BEST was developed to help solve an increasing problem in our community.

This program is unique to Maui and the only one in Hawaii to address the need to reintegrate former inmates successfully back into the community after being in prison.

It is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice "Going Home" program.

MEO and BEST staff members recognize that proper guidance and services starting prior to release of male and female inmates will stop the "revolving door" cycle and give these individuals choices that will keep them out of prison for good.

BEST offers eligible individuals various services, one of which is learning Hawaiian culture.

BEST clients are taught these traditional and ancient arts in hopes of building self-pride and increasing knowledge.

Having no previous funding for its culture component, BEST has relied on donations from the community.

The generous gifts of money and time greatly helped in providing costumes for members of the BEST hula halau, Na Paahao Maoli.

With a newly awarded Office of Hawaiian Affairs grant, BEST plans to use part of the funds to purchase hula implements, costumes and other training supplies to enhance and further the education now offered.

Saturday, Na Paahao Maoli hula halau performed at the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center as part of Maui County's Culture and Arts Day with plans for future performances.

The public performances not only benefit the community by providing entertainment, increasing awareness and breaking the preconceived notion of "prisoners," members of the halau are motivated to improve their own lives.

Participation in this program increases self-confidence within each individual, and forges the way for them to become stakeholders in the Maui community.

MEO is not alone in thinking that cultural programs are an integral part of reintegration.

Recently, BEST was awarded a grant of $25,000 from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to expand its cultural program.

The majority of the funding will be used to create a theatrical production titled "Na Leo I Ka Pu'uwai" (Voices of the Heart).

The production will be based on the life stories of BEST clients. It will depict the consequences that took place as an outcome of choices these individuals made.

It is anticipated that the audience will have a glimpse of the joy and sadness, triumph and heartbreak that these men and women have experienced.

To convey these stories, BEST is working with award-winning playwright Lane Nishikawa.

As a writer, actor, director and producer in theater, film and television, Mr. Nishikawa's plays are humorous, educational and enlightening.

His work is known throughout the country and includes works such as "When We Were One" and "We Were Brothers," which were produced as part of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's artist-in-residence program.

With "Na Leo I Ka Pu'uwai," BEST hopes to inspire the community to allow these individuals another chance at life.

At the high school level, BEST will use this play as an educational tool for Hawaii's youth to begin making right choices now and to prevent Maui's youth from entering the prison system.

The individuals that BEST serves are committed to giving back by sharing their life stories to ensure that others do not make the same mistakes, especially our youth.

These men and women need the support from the entire community to find jobs, housing, and to reunite with family members in order to succeed in strengthening our Maui community and ensuring public safety.

BEST encourages members of Maui's community to support its clients by offering assistance and services as they return home.

MEO and BEST are grateful to OHA for recognizing the need to fund cultural programs within Maui's prison facility.

The funds also will be used to promote safety and education.

If you would like to become an inmate mentor or make a monetary donation to the BEST, please call MEO at 249-2990, ext. 224 or 265.

Kanoe Medeiros is a member of the administrative staff of Being Empowered and Safe Together (BEST) at Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. in Kahului.

Copyright © 2003 — The Maui News

Posted: Sun - May 2, 2004 at 08:48 AM

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Culture being used to help prison inmates back into society

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