The $95 million Saguaro prison was dedicated on Tuesday, June 26, 2007. The opening meant that the
Hawaii Department of Public Safety could consolidate prisoners who had been held in
CoreCivic private prisons in
Kentucky,
Mississippi, and
Oklahoma. When the prison opened, 160 employees were hired, and some employees had experience working with Hawaii convicts. The staff members attended a "Hawaiian diversity training class" on the day of the prison's dedication. Louise Grant, the vice president of marketing and communications for CCA, said that the prison was intended to have 300 employees. The State of Hawaii annually spends over $60 million per year to house prisoners at Saguaro. As of 2010, the 1,897-bed facility houses 1,871 male prisoners. SCC has stun fences and alarm systems that are designed to prevent escapes and false alarms. It also houses X-ray machines, metal detectors, and security cameras that, according to the prison administration, are "virtually impossible" to destroy. The facility was designed to serve male and female prisoners. CCA arranged for the prison to serve a menu catering to the tastes of Hawaii prisoners. Louise Grant said that the prison observes Hawaii holidays, and the operations will accommodate Hawaiian religious belief practices. ==References==