The Oʻahu Post-Booking Jail Diversion Program (OJDP) marked a major milestone on March 18, as seven participants became its first Circuit Court graduates. There are now 42 participants enrolled in the Circuit Court and District Court OJDP programs.

During a ceremony held in his courtroom at Kaʻahumanu Hale, Circuit Court Judge Ronald Johnson presented each participant with a certificate of completion and a court order confirming that their charges had been dismissed, bringing their participation in the program to a successful conclusion.

“Each of the graduates arrived at this point through hard work and dedication to the idea that they could be the best version of themselves,” said Judge Johnson.

The jail diversion program reflects the Judiciary’s broader approach to public safety—one that recognizes that incarceration alone does not address the underlying challenges that bring individuals into the criminal justice system.

Individuals involved in the criminal justice system experience significantly higher rates of serious mental illness and substance use disorders than the general population. Without access to treatment and support, many individuals cycle repeatedly through the system.

The jail diversion program seeks to break that cycle by connecting participants to treatment at the earliest possible stage.

Participation in OJDP is voluntary and requires a meaningful commitment from each participant. Individuals must also be approved for entry into the program by several of its partner agencies.

Rather than proceeding through traditional prosecution, qualifying pretrial participants are placed directly from jail into a mental health crisis stabilization unit or other community-based treatment facility. From there, they transition to assisted housing, behavioral health services, substance use treatment, and other supportive services designed to help them achieve long-term stability.

Participants are supported by a comprehensive treatment team—including case managers, counselors, and psychiatrists—and receive assistance with essential services such as medical and dental care, transportation, benefits, and vocational support. They appear regularly in court for interactive status hearings, where they speak directly with the judge, attorneys, case managers, and the jail diversion program team about their progress and challenges.

Proven Results

The program is still in its infancy but has already demonstrated meaningful results.

The District Court OJDP has produced six graduates, the first in 2024. Some entered the program after dealing with dozens of prior court cases, but none of the graduates received new charges while in the program or after graduation.

“This is a significant accomplishment,” noted District Court Judge Tracy Fukui, who oversees the District Court OJDP.

“Although the statistics are encouraging, the true benefit of OJDP is not reflected by numbers, but rather by the courageous individual journeys of our participants,” added Judge Fukui.

“The goal is to provide participants with the services and foundation necessary to continue to live productively and independently in the community,” Judge Fukui said.

A Life-Changing Opportunity

For participants, the program offers more than an alternative to incarceration—it offers a path to recovery.

One graduate, Brenda, spoke candidly during the Circuit Court ceremony about her experience.

“I tried to get sober so many times and I just couldn’t do it, but something happened to me my first month in the program,” she said. “When I first got in, I had no intention of staying. Then I started seeing you guys… and realized how much you really wanted to help us.”

“Never in my life have I seen anyone put their heart into it the way you did,” she said. “It just made me so happy to be a part of something so good.”

She also expressed her appreciation to Judge Johnson. “The way that you communicate with us—you really care,” she said.

Collaboration at the Core

The program’s success is rooted in collaboration.

OJDP was developed through a partnership among the Judiciary, the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Office of the Public Defender, and the Hawaiʻi Department of Health’s Adult Mental Health Division. Additional partners—including the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Governor’s Office, and the Department of the Attorney General—continue to support and strengthen the program.

“I would like to thank our partners in the program,” Judge Johnson said. “Their support, guidance, and treatment services ensure that each graduate is ready to reenter the community and live their best life.”

Looking Ahead

The Circuit Court’s first graduating class marks an important step in expanding access to treatment-based alternatives to incarceration.

As the program continues to grow, it remains focused on improving outcomes for individuals, strengthening communities, and enhancing public safety by addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior.

“Lives have been transformed, community has been built, families have been reunited, and hope for a better future has been gained,” Judge Fukui said.