There has not been any funding allocated in the Department of Corrections’ budget for overtime costs for the last two fiscal years—and it’s the same story for the department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Yet correctional officers have been working 12-hour shifts because of the lack of manpower.
The department’s proposed budget is $3,087,000 with 84 employees, compared to a budget of $2.7million and 85 employees for FY2025.
Director Palaita Tuisipasi Suianoa stated that overtime costs were included in their budget request, but it was not approved.
$200,000 is allocated in the department’s budget for inmates meals for the whole year. When asked if that funding was enough, Palaita said it wasn’t. The department had requested $300,000 but only $200,000 was approved. It was revealed that the department owes $290,000 to TSM Store for food supplies provided to the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF). The director reported that, after discussions with the Governor’s Office, $150,000 has been approved to pay this debt.
When questioned about the $518,500 under the category of “All Others” in the new fiscal year budget, Palaita explained that this amount covers payment of water and power bills, which he said had increased. He said the highest utility bill since he became director was $80,000 month. An assessment by Public Works and ASPA identified leaking underground water lines as the cause. The problem has been fixed and the utility bill has dropped to $40,000 a month.
Several lawmakers suggested that the department hire a grant writer, as there are several federal funding sources that can be tapped. It was also recommended that the department secure supplies such as tasers, pepper spray, and body armor to better protect guards.
