Sakai wins award, announces health program for guards

State Public Safety Director Ted Sakai, named the nation’s Outstanding Director of Corrections on Tuesday, said his department is unveiling a pilot program on wellness this month that aims to reduce prison guard sick calls, starting at Oahu Community Correctional Center.

Staffing shortages created by sick calls among correctional officers has led to numerous cancellations of family visitations for inmates. To counter that, Sakai said the department will launch a wellness program that promotes employee health. It will be operated by Hawaii Medical Service Association and Kaiser Permanente at no cost to the state.

"We have to promote wellness to cut back on the absence among our staff," Sakai said in a phone interview. "At the same time, I think we have made some real improvement in recruitment and retention of our staff."

The pilot program will provide staff with information on better diets and physical health and offer personal health assessments.

Other reasons adult correctional officers call in sick are tied to unpleasant working conditions, stress of working with inmates, and odd working hours, Sakai said. He noted that many correctional systems nationwide face similar staffing problems.

Sakai’s recognition from the Association of State Correctional Administrators marks the first time a Hawaii public safety director has been selected for the award in its 22-year history, according to the ASCA website.

"It’s good to know Hawaii can take its place along with other states," Sakai said, adding that the recognition came because of the department’s accomplishments. But he quickly added that the Public Safety Department is pursing many improvements, ranging from fixing or rebuilding physical facilities to enhancing inmates programs and improving institutional culture.

Sakai said he didn’t know he was in the running for the national award.

"It’s rewarding because I was selected by my peers," he said, adding that the selection committee is made up of other corrections directors. "It means a lot to me."

The national award, also known as the Michael Francke Award, is the highest honor bestowed by the ASCA and was named after Francke, a director of corrections in Oregon killed by a former inmate.

ASCA President Christopher Epps praised Sakai for his decades of service in corrections and respect in the field.

"He has an uncanny ability to not only lead effectively, but also cares for others as demonstrated by his record of service," Epps said in a statement.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Sakai has made positive changes in his two years as director, such as making progress in bringing home inmates from the mainland and implementing long-term initiatives. Previously, he served as warden of Wai­awa Correctional Facility and director of public safety, from 1998 to 2002.