25 orphaned kittens were adopted through a WCCC foster pilot program.

Two inmates at the Women's Community Correctional Center have fostered orphaned kittens from the Hawaiian Humane Society since October 2025, and 25 kittens from the pilot program have been adopted.

Two women at the Women's Community Correctional Center are caring for orphaned kittens through a 12-month pilot called Transforming Animal and Incarcerated Individuals' Lives. The program began in October 2025 as a partnership between the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Staff veterinarians examined each kitten before adoption and the Humane Society trained the inmate caregivers on feeding, medications, and socialization. Since the program started, 25 kittens fostered by the two women have been adopted. Program details: - Two minimum-custody inmates at WCCC are serving as foster caregivers for orphaned kittens. - The pilot started in October 2025 and is funded in part by a $50,000 appropriation from the state Legislature in 2024. - The Hawaiian Humane Society's Foster Care team provided training and staff veterinarians completed health checks prior to adoption. - The kittens included animals recovering from respiratory and gastrointestinal issues and undersocialized kittens needing extra support. - The inmates reported developing compassion, patience, responsibility, and interest in veterinary work while caring for the animals. Summary: The pilot program has resulted in 25 kittens being adopted and has given participating inmates hands-on caregiving experience that program leaders say built empathy and practical skills. Undetermined at this time.