(AP) — A state senator is highlighting a staffing shortage at a Hawaiʻi prison. Sen. Kurt Fevella showed up at Halawa Correctional Facility unannounced after hearing guards complain of unsafe conditions. He counted 58 guards when there were supposed to be 91. The Republican says that’s forcing guards to work 16-hour shifts. He says inmates are challenging guards they know are tired and don’t have back-up support. The staffing shortages have prompted cancelation of prison privileges including church, exercise and visits. Officials say they are working to address the shortage, including by asking retirees to work part-time.
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