Maui jail operating with less than half the normal staff

WAILUKU, Maui — A Maui jail where a riot broke out in March is operating with less than half the normal number of corrections officers.

The state Department of Public Safety said as few as 83 guards, for the facility that would be fully staffed with 170 guards, regularly report to work at Maui Community Correctional Center in Wailuku.

Some guards work 60-80 hours a week and morale is low, according to two corrections officers. Many officers have worked double shifts for three to five days each week, said Toni Schwartz, DPS spokeswoman.

There are 32 vacant positions and 23 corrections officers are out on workers’ compensation. Another 32 guards were granted leave under the federal Family Medical and Leave Act, officials said.

When asked if the National Guard might need to be brought in to assist, Schwartz said “all possible options to address staff shortages may be explored.”