The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1894-03-05
WITHIN 0AHU'S WALLS.
VISIT TO THE FRowNiNG PLACE
CALLED "oN THE REEF"
was Built in 1s51-Not wholly Prison
roof--ManRgement-Fea More
Light Needed.

In Honolulu the phrase con the reef
has lost its nautical significance. In
stead OF meaning the stranding of u
vessel on the coral it has come to tell in
three short words the wreck of u life,
the blasting OF human hopes, the
punishment of one who transgresses the
laws OF the country. When it becomes
necessary on account of the weakness or
viciousness OF a person to restrain him
for a period he is sent con the reef"
This means a sojourn in the high
walled old prison that stands upon the
coral on the Eva side OF the bay. The
figures 1857 boldly painted above the
main entrance tell that quite early
in the history of the Islands a prison
of some magnitude became necessary.
Oahu Jail, as it is officially called, en-
bodies in architecture the ideas Of sea
people, who naturally know but little
about prison structure. Were it not
that the island itself is practically a
prison TO the evil-doer, the penitentiary
would be of small avail. The average
prison population in any other country
would regard escape from "the reef, "
through wooden cell doors and rotting
coral walls, as lark. They would
go into these like a rat through wood
1t is Just us Jailor Low says, the
only way they keep their guests is by
watching them. Some needed reforms in
in prison management have been made
since Mr.. Low took charge of the insti-
tuition. 1t is neat and clean throughout
and that distinguishing prison odor is
not to be noticed. The prisoners are
well dressed and appear healthy. Many
OF them seem quite contented.
Oahu prison consists OF a main build
ing and two wings, with cings to a
spacious and very pretty court with Il
large tree in the center. Religious SER
vices are held under these spreading
branches. During Sunday no less than
four lessons are gwen by persons carry
ing the word. AT the right and LETT OF
the main entrance TO the building
are the jailor's office and the armory.
The latter in its present arrange
ment is new feature. One OF the first
departments shown the visitor is the
section for women. Here all the prison
clothes for all the islands are made.
Vina King, still in ill-humor, the witch
OF Lanai and Il woman thief are at pres
ent engaged in building the blue and
gold costumes. The famous kahuna is
looking well. The three women are
daily taken into the big Jail yard on the
right of the buildings for exercise. In
this space are also their bathroom and
building where prison shoes are re-
paired. In the front OF the prison is a
walled lawn where committed men,
may loaf. All the other prisoner,
have their liberty in the court
Prison fare is better than good
many Of the convicts usually have
1t include pound of meat day, pol
rice, bread, vegetables, crackers, tea
and coffee, with dried fruit. The allow
ance is liberal, but if a man says after q
meal that he is still hungry he is per.
mitted TO fill up on the sea biscuit. The
troublesome prisoners are the white
men, the Chinese and few Japs. AS q
rule the natives give no bother at all
There are two methods of discipline
One is the chain gang and Kun Wur
is its most noted member. The SECOND
is the dark CELL where mosquitoes and 9
bread and water diet quickly bring tn,
subordinate to terms. For Vina King
who shows fight, chair was brough
from the Insane Asylum. Two mel
run the prison pni room. The poi is TIT
machine made article. The kitchen
which is attractively clean, has a skillec
Chinese chef. The hospital as has an ad
junct an extensive chemist shop which
also contains the library. The men ar
allowed plenty OF reading matter anC
tobacco is issued to the pauper con
victs. All turn out early in the morning
and turn in early at night. Every NAL
available goes to work upon the road
and they certainly earn their care
Jalor Low has surrounded himself wit
q well organized and capable corps c
guards and lunas. Jail time is by bells
ms ON ship. Among the buildings out
side the walls are carpenter shop an
the room in which is stored the scaffolC
The bathroom, on the lower side of tn
court, has its tubs and showers and tn
men use them regularly.
The prehensive system OF publ
improvements" projected will doubles
includes new pententiary, the need I
which is quite apparent. The one thin
that is now absolutely required at Il
prison is more light. There is one ar
electric lamp at present, but there shou
be several more, and instead of LAM
and lanterns throughout the buildin
incandescents would remove the dang
from fire. With more light in the prise
yard there would be small danger
those prison uprisings which always o
cur just at dusk or just before dawn.