The Hawaiʻi Youth Correctional Facility continues to face a shortage of kitchen staff, leading to its reliance on fast food and grocery store meals for the third consecutive year. With approval to spend up to $80,000 annually on emergency meals from establishments like Zippy’s and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, the facility struggles to provide adequate meals for both detainees and staff. Despite recent hires, the kitchen remains understaffed, requiring additional cooks to meet operational needs.

Located in Olomana, the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility has been grappling with insufficient staffing in its kitchen for several years. This issue forces the institution to procure emergency meals from nearby eateries and grocery stores. In 2023, the situation became particularly dire when only one cook remained, prompting an expenditure of approximately $61,000 on external meals. Although hiring a second cook reduced costs significantly last year, the absence of a third cook still hinders full staffing levels.

Executive Director Leanne Gillespie attributes part of this problem to delays within the state's hiring process, which can stretch up to nine months. Such delays severely impact meal provision at the facility, where nutritious meals are essential for growing teenagers under supervision. Additionally, staff members unable to leave their posts must also be fed appropriately.

Efforts to contract professional vendors through the state procurement website have gone unanswered over the past two years. Similarly, the neighboring Women’s Community Correctional Center cannot accommodate sudden requests for meal supplies. Consequently, local fast-food outlets such as L&L Kailua Town and Zippy’s have become reliable alternatives due to their flexibility and reasonable pricing compared to menu rates.

Beyond convenience, these arrangements benefit from online ordering systems provided by certain vendors, enhancing efficiency during emergencies. While not ideal, these solutions ensure that both residents and employees receive necessary sustenance despite ongoing staffing challenges.

As the facility navigates these difficulties, it underscores the importance of addressing systemic hiring issues to maintain proper operations. Ensuring consistent meal service remains critical for supporting both detained individuals and dedicated personnel who uphold safety standards daily. Until these structural obstacles are resolved, innovative partnerships with local businesses will continue playing a vital role in meeting immediate dietary needs.