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.
A recent arrest involving counterfeit money has shed light on a series of incidents in the Tradition area of Port St. Lucie. The suspect, Duane Everton Clarke, was taken into custody after allegedly using fake currency at several local businesses. Authorities have connected him to multiple cases, revealing an intricate web of fraudulent activity that spans different establishments and even states.
The investigation began when a suspicious bill was noticed at Clean Eatz, leading officers to Clarke, who possessed numerous counterfeit bills in various denominations. Further connections were made to earlier incidents at Tropical Smoothie and Subway. This case not only highlights the prevalence of counterfeit crimes but also emphasizes the importance of vigilance within communities.
Counterfeit Currency Incident Unfolds
In March, a peculiar situation unfolded in Port St. Lucie when a man was apprehended following accusations of using counterfeit $50 bills at local eateries. The initial incident occurred at Clean Eatz, where employees later identified discrepancies in the payment method used by the suspect. Upon further investigation, law enforcement linked this individual, Duane Everton Clarke, to additional counterfeit cases nearby.
Clarke's arrest followed an encounter at Clean Eatz, where he reportedly paid for coffee with a counterfeit note. A concerned employee flagged the issue after noticing similarities between this transaction and another reported instance at a neighboring business. Officers soon identified Clarke based on distinctive physical characteristics, including a noticeable limp. During questioning, Clarke admitted the bills seemed unusual but denied explicit knowledge of their counterfeit nature. Police discovered ten counterfeit bills in four different denominations on his person during a search. Moreover, they uncovered an outstanding forgery warrant from Arkansas, complicating Clarke's legal predicament.
Broader Implications of the Investigation
Beyond the immediate arrest, investigators delved deeper into Clarke's activities, uncovering links to prior counterfeit offenses. These connections extended beyond the initial incident, implicating Clarke in similar schemes at Tropical Smoothie and Subway within close proximity. The unfolding details revealed a pattern of behavior suggesting premeditated actions rather than isolated mistakes.
Law enforcement efforts succeeded in piecing together Clarke's movements and transactions through diligent investigative work. Serial numbers on one of the counterfeit bills matched records from a Fort Pierce Police case, although specific details remain undisclosed due to ongoing investigations. Clarke faces eight felony charges related to possessing and circulating counterfeit money. As of the latest update, he remains incarcerated under a $35,000 bond at the St. Lucie County Jail. This case underscores the necessity for heightened awareness regarding counterfeit currency among both merchants and consumers, reinforcing the critical role of community cooperation in combating such criminal activities.
A program cherished by the community is set to pause its operations. STARBASE Wilmington, a renowned educational initiative focused on STEM, will temporarily shut down starting next week despite recent federal funding approval. The delay in distributing funds has left the organization with no choice but to furlough its dedicated staff and halt activities until further notice. This decision comes as a blow to educators, students, and supporters who have long championed the program's impact on young minds.
The director of STARBASE Wilmington, Dave Glenn, expressed his understanding that federal funds have been allocated for the program but noted that it may take some time before these resources reach individual sites. In the meantime, the committed team behind STARBASE Wilmington will be placed on temporary leave while they await updates regarding operational resumption.
Glenn took to the STARBASE Wilmington Facebook page to express heartfelt gratitude toward the community. He acknowledged the efforts of previous staff members in shaping the program into what it is today. Additionally, he extended thanks to teachers and administrators whose collaboration ensures student participation in this enriching experience. His message also conveyed appreciation for current and former students who have benefited from the program’s emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
In light of these developments, March 31 marks the official date when STARBASE Wilmington will close its doors temporarily. While awaiting clarity on future operations, the program remains indebted to those who have contributed to its success over the years.
As the community braces itself for this hiatus, many reflect on the profound influence STARBASE Wilmington has had on fostering curiosity and innovation among local youth. Although uncertain times lie ahead, hopes remain high for the program's eventual return and continued contribution to nurturing tomorrow's leaders in STEM fields.