Governor considers reopening Big Island prison

 HILO >> Hawaii’s governor is considering reopening a Big Island prison to house inmates incarcerated on the mainland.

Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported Monday that the old Kulani Correctional Facility, which has been closed for nearly two years, could be reopened as part of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s plan to reduce the number of Hawaii prisoners sent out of state.

Abercrombie has said he wants to expand prison space in Hawaii.

Located 20 miles south of Hilo, the prison was closed in 2009 by former Gov. Linda Lingle to save money.

The property has been used as a training camp for at-risk teens. Director Rick Campbell says it’s possible the academy could move to the recently renovated Keaukaha Military Reservation.