First Deputy Public Defender
Office of the Public Defender


Hayley Cheng is the First Deputy at the State of Hawaiʻi’s Office of the Public Defender. She graduated from the William S. Richardson School of Law in 2006. Following law school, she clerked for Associate Justice Richard W. Pollack (ret.) while he served as a criminal Circuit Court Judge in the First Circuit. Hayley joined the Office of the Public Defender in 2007.

Board Member
Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Dennis Dunn is a board member for the Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an individual and family services company that addresses the social, political, and economic impacts of domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities.

Director of Operations
Makana O Ke Akua


Keoki Dudoit, is the Director of Operations for the non-profit organization, Makana O Ke Akua. He is the administrative support for the organization and has been a vital part of building its capacity and next level of services. A generational leader who enjoys working in the community, Keoki is passionate about serving people. “There’s always an opportunity in every challenging situation.”

Facility Administrator
Davidson County Sheriff’s Office - Behavioral Care Center

Lucy Easley is the Facility Administrator at the Behavioral Care Center within the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office. The BCC provides short-term mental health and substance abuse treatment to incarcerated individuals to prepare them for re-entry. She and her team work to decriminalize mental illness and to spread awareness of the BCC model to other jurisdictions nationwide.

Oversight Coordinator
Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission

Christin Johnson was appointed by former Gov. David Ige as the first Oversight Coordinator for Hawaiʻi. She brings her exceptional knowledge of the corrections system and current policies to impact change at both the individual and larger systemic level.

Case Management Program Manager
Care Hawaiʻi

Lois Kim serves as Care Hawaiʻi's Program Manager in Case Management, ensuring contractual compliance, staff efficiency and safety, and consumer case across Oʻahu. She also holds a MBA with a concentration in Finance. Lois continues to advocate for women's rights and empowerment through YWCA Oʻahu and the community.

Director of Design
HMC Architects


James is the Director of Design at HMC Architects who oversees design and leads strategies to improve the impact of HMC’s work. Formerly serving as design principal, Krueger’s creative approach emphasizes the firm’s purpose of “design for good” to support clients with high-performance solutions that aim to have a positive impact.

Chair
Correctional Reform Working Group

Robert Merce was Vice Chair of the House Concurrent Resolution 85 Task Force on Prison Reform, and took lead in crafting the group’s conclusive 2910 Legislative report. He actively contributes as a board member for the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and is the Chair of the Correctional Reform Working Group.

Director of Programs
Ke Ola Mamo


Eugenie Naone, MSAJS, MSIDT has about 24 years of Human Service work, touching all populations and types of services. She has experience with MedQuest, the marketplace, and Medicare. She is also trained in Chronic Disease Self-Management and has a wealth of resources to assist with all social service matters.

Jail Diversion Program Coordinator
Department of Health

Kainoa Castro has worked with the Oahu’s most vulnerable populations including at-risk youth, families, homeless, mentally ill, and substance-abusers in both in-patient and out-patient settings for over 20 years. He has been spearheading as the Jail Diversion Program Coordinator for over 13 years.

Governor’s Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System

Dr. Michael K. Champion serves as the Governor’s Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System after years serving as an administrator at the Department of Health, and multiple correctional health facilities across the U.S. and Hawaiʻi.

Director
University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center

Cathi Ho Schar is an Associate Professor at the UHM School of Architecture and service as the director of the UH Community Design Center. She along with Dan Milz, and Lorinda Riley are co-PIs on this project partnership with DCR which led to this “Breaking Cycles” speaker series.

President & CEO
Hilopaʻa Family to Family, Inc.

Leolinda Iokepa is a recognized public health leader, trainer, and facilitator with over 35 years of leadership in Medicaid and Maternal and Child Health Programs. Her specialization spans healthcare financing, policy, and legislative advocacy.

Director
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Tommy Johnson brings over 21 years of experience in the department, from his role as the administrator of the Hawai’i Paroling Authority from 2001 to 2007 and 2010 to 2020, and Deputy Director from 2007 to 2020.

Medical Director of Crisis Continuum
Department of Health - AMHD

Dr. Chad Koyanagi is a street and community psychiatrist who has devoted his career to improve the mental health system throughout Hawai'i. He is most known for his work with the chronically homeless which spans the last 25 years.

Grants & Advancement Manager
Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center

Nikos Leverenz returned to Honolulu after 25 years in California, bringing legislative advocacy expertise. Committed to health, equity, and justice, he employs strategic communications and policy development.

Executive Director
Men of PAʻA


Iopa Maunakea is the founder of Men of PAʻA (Positive Action Alliance), a growing community organization based in Puna that empowers Kanaka Maoli, particularly native Hawaiian men, fostering recovery and reconciliation. Iopa leads efforts in restorative justice, addressing intergenerational trauma, and enhancing employment outcomes post-criminal history.

First Circuit District Court Judge
Hawaiʻi State Judiciary


Judge Melanie Mito May was sworn in as a First Circuit District Court Judge by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald in April 2011. She was previously employed at Marr Jones and Wang from 1997 prior to her appointment. May also has nine years of experience as an arbitrator with the Court Annexed Arbitration Program.

Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness
Office of the Governor

John Mizuno is the new Homeless Coordinator appointed by Gov. Green. Mizuno is a prominent figure with experience in addressing homelessness. He played a crucial role in advocating for ʻOhana Zones—a state-funded initiative focused on diminishing homelessness through the provision of healthcare, transportation, and other services.

Medicaid Director/Administrator
Department of Human Services -
Med-QUEST

Judy Mohr Peterson is a nationally recognized leader in health care delivery system reform and Medicaid policy. She previously served as president of the board of the National Association of Medicaid Directors as well as Oregon’s Medicaid Director. She is one of the architects of Oregon’s successful health system transformation.

Governor
Office of the Governor


For two decades, Governor Green was a physician on the Big Island. He also served in the State House of Representatives and State Senate from 2004 to 2008. Currenlty, Governor Green is committed to establishing "Kauhale" communities for homeless veterans, kūpuna, and others, offering secure housing solutions.

For a complete bio, click here.

Judge
Oʻahu First Circuit Court of Hawaiʻi

Judge R. Mark Browning assumed the role of a First Circuit Court Judge on May 6, 2010. Prior to his appointment, Judge Browning was a partner with the law firm Shim Tam Kirimitsu Kitamura & Chang. He also served as the deputy prosecuting attorney for the City and County of Honolulu.


For a complete bio, click here.

Governor’s Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System

Dr. Michael K. Champion serves as the Governor’s Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System after years serving as an administrator at the Department of Health, and multiple correctional health facilities across the U.S. and Hawaiʻi.




For a complete bio, click here.

Senior Adviser
Norwegian Correctional Services


Tom Eberhardt was educated at the Correctional Service of Norway Staff Academy as a prison officer and has higher education in economics and crisis management along with 26 years of working in Norway prisons.





For a complete bio, click here.

Program Manager
Amend University of California San Francisco

Kelsey Engstrom has worked with national and international criminal justice systems. She researches best practices in carceral systems by examining the impact of carceral environments and the well-being of correctional staff and incarcerated individuals.

For a complete bio, click here.

President & CEO
Going Home Hawaiʻi

Les Estrella is the President and CEO of Going Home Hawaiʻi. He received the Exchange Club of Hilo's 2023 Humanitarian Award at the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast in June. Les Estrella is dedicated to building community partnerships with local, state, and national stakeholders with a goal of achieving common goals.

Representative, House District 30
Hawaiʻi State Legislature

Sonny Ganaden is a member of the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives, representing District 30. He assumed office in November 2020. His legal experience spans domestic violence advocacy, court-appointed representation, and civil litigation for small businesses.

For a complete bio, click here.

Sergeant
Tri-Cities Reentry Center

Jeffrey Herrmann started his Corrections and Law Enforcement career as a Detention Enforcement Officer. He then transferred to the Reentry Division at the Tri-Cities Reentry Center, one of the four centers selected to pilot the Amend program.

Director
University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center

Cathi Ho Schar is an Associate Professor at the UHM School of Architecture and serves as the Director of the University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center. She focuses on fostering collaboration between government, university, and communities for public-interest projects.

For a complete bio, click here.

Judge
Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission

Ronald Ibarra was first appointed as a Circuit Court Judge. He has been the Third Circuit’s Administrative Judge since 1993 and served as its first Chief Judge before his retirement. Ibarra remains active in multiple judicial, county, and state commissions, as well as the Bar Association.


For a complete bio, click here.

President & CEO
Hilopaʻa Family to Family, Inc.


Leolinda Iokepa is a recognized public health leader, trainer, and facilitator with over 35 years of leadership in Medicaid and Maternal and Child Health Programs. Her specialization spans healthcare financing, policy, and legislative advocacy. Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, she was grounded in the values of nurturing positive relationships, inclusion, and advocacy.

Program Director
Kōkua Kalihi Valley Hoʻoulu ‘Āina


Puni Jackson is a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner with over 18 years of experience. She is a pivotal figure in establishing Hoʻoulu ʻĀina as a healing sanctuary and promotes cultural preservation, including lā’au lāpa‘au medicine and childbirth.



For a complete bio, click here.

Oversight Coordinator
Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission

Christin Johnson is the first Oversight Coordinator for Hawaiʻi. She brings her exceptional knowledge of the corrections system and current policies to impact change at both the individual and larger systemic level.



For a complete bio, click here.

Director
Department of Public Safety

Tommy Johnson brings over 21 years of experience in the department, from his role as the administrator of the Hawai’i Paroling Authority from 2001 to 2007 and 2010 to 2020, and Deputy Director from 2007 to 2020. Director Johnson will be leading the effort to transition the department to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 2024.

Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness
Office of the Governor

James Koshiba is dedicated to uniting diverse communities, especially those facing homelessness. He exemplifies resilience, empathy, and a strong commitment to fostering positive change. Through advocacy, he encourages active involvement in addressing homelessness, highlighting the power of love, compassion, and cultural heritage for meaningful progress.

Training Division Commander
Honolulu Police Department

Mike Lambert has 19 years of service with the Honolulu Police Department, where he fulfilled diverse roles in the service of both the community and department itself. He is currently the Training Division Commander.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
County of Kauaiʻi

Rebecca Like has been working as a Deputy Prosecutor on Kauaʻi for the last 11 years, and as the second deputy prosecuting attorney for the last 9 years. Her priorities include public safety, victim’s rights, substance abuse, commitment to racial equity, environmental crimes, and many others.

For a complete bio, click here.

Former Hawaiʻi Governor

Linda Lingle served as the 6th governor of Hawaiʻi from 2002-2010. She was the first Republican and woman to lead the Aloha State in more than 40 years. She is also a member of the Hawaiʻi Pacific University Board of Trustees, and co-led the Women’s Prison Project.

For a complete bio, click here.

Attorney
Correctional Reform Working Group

Michael Livingston is a member fo the Correctional Reform Working Group. He is a attorney that specializes in litigation focused in cases involving violation of civil liberties, major personal injuries, medical negligence, and more.


For a complete bio, click here.

Correctional Reentry Coordination Office Program Specialist
Department of Public Safety

For over 30 years, Monica Lortz worked in the Department of Public Safety through diverse roles, including furlough programs, jails, and prisons. Since 2017, she serves as the Corrections Program Development Officer, overseeing the Reentry Coordination Office (RCO).

Executive Director
Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center

Heather Lusk is the Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center, which she leads with over 30 years of experience dedicated to reducing health disparities and stigma. She is also the Advisory Board Chair of Partners in Care, Board Member in Oʻahu's Homeless Coalition, and Co-Director of Hep Free Hawaiʻi.

Chair
Correctional Reform Working Group

Robert Merce was Vice Chair of the House Concurrent Resolution 85 Task Force on Prison Reform, and took lead in crafting the group’s conclusive 2910 Legislative report. He actively contributes as a board member for the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and is the Chair of the Correctional Reform Working Group.

Co-founder & Director
ʻEkolu Mea Nui

Dr. Jamee Miller’s career has been devoted to Native Hawaiians. She began in student counseling, providing support to Native Hawaiian students. She then established a child abuse prevention program for Hawaiian families and children. Along her path, she became invovled in justice reform and founded ʻEkolu Mea Nui.

For a complete bio, click here.

Assistant Professor
UHM Department of Urban & Regional Planning/Matsunaga Peace Institute

Dr. Dan Milz examines cognitive aspects of environmental judgments in participatory settings, enhancing stakeholder decision-making. He also studies the impact of data visualization tools on planning processes and investigates the facilitation expertise that aids local stakeholders in enhancing planning and policy outcomes.

For a complete bio, click here.

Dean & Professor
Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge

Dr. Jonathan Kamakawiwoʻole Osorio is the Dean of the Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge. He developed and taught classes in history, literature, law as culture, music as historical text, and research methodologies for and from Indigenous people. He is a recognized scholar, author, advocate, and composer.

For a complete bio, click here.

Chief Justice
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court

Mark Recktenwald was sworn in as Chief Justice on September 14, 2010 and reappointed for a second term on September 10, 2020. He initially joined the Supreme Court as Associate Justice in 2009, and held position of Chief Judge in the Intermediate Court of Appeals since 2007.

For a complete bio, click here.

Acting Administrator
Hawaiʻi Paroling Authority

Corey Reincke started with the Hawaiʻi Paroling Authority in 2003 as a Parole Officer IV, supervising sex offenders. Over the years, his role included mental health, high-risk males, and high-need female offenders. In 2015, he became the Special Services Section supervisor, and in 2022, he became the Branch Administrator. Currently, he is serving as the Acting Administrator.

Assistant Professor
Office of Public Health Studies
Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge

Lorinda Riley’s main research interest is on indigenous conceptions of wellbeing. She is also specifically interested on the impact of the criminal justice system on indigenous individuals as well as the impact of self-determination on indigenous wellbeing.

For a complete bio, click here.

Director of Harm Reduction
Los Angeles Office of Diversion and Reentry


Shoshanna Scholar is the Director of the Harm Reduction Division for the Los Angeles County Health Services’ Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR). Previously, she was ODR's Director of Community Based Diversion, where, she founded LA County’s first Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program (LEAD).

Director of Care Coordination, Utilization Management, & Clinical Documentation Integrity
Queen’s Care Coalition

Ashley Shearer has been with Queen’s Medical Center for 9 years, starting as a Licensed Social Worker in the Emergency Department and later served as Clinical Operations Manager. Her hard work and direct involvement over the years has led QCC to become a nationally-recognized program that addresses complex medical and social needs of Native Hawaiians and high utilizers post-discharge.

Professor
William S. Richardson School of Law


Aviam Soifer began his teaching career at the University of Connecticut in 1973. He then served as the Dean of Boston College Law School. In 2003, he assumed the role of Dean at the University of Hawai'i School of Law, with expertise in constitutional law, legal history, legal writing, and law and humanities.

For a complete bio, click here.

Executive Director
Partners in Care



Laura Thielen is the Executive Director of Partners in Care whose aim is to assist the most vulnerable individuals, particularly those facing chronic homelessness on Oʻahu. Partners in Care is composed of 76 organizations across Hawaiʻi collaborating to support Oahu’s Continuum of Care for homeless persons and assist in developing new programs, while working to preserve existing programs.

Executive Director & Chair
Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership

Troy Vaughn is the Executive Director and Chair of the Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership (LARRP), a collaborative network comprising more than 400 organizations in Los Angeles County. LARRP is committed to create housing and employment solutions and systemic transformation for formerly-involved justice individuals.

For a complete bio, click here.

State Director
United Public Workers


Kalani Werner serves as the State Director for United Public Workers, which represents blue-collar workers in state and county governments such as parks, highway, and building maintenance employees, and also represents state corrections officers along with workers at both private and public hospitals. Prior to this, Werner worked as a Correctional Officer at the Oʻahu Community Correctional Center.