DOC Director Frank Ishizaki to step down

Just two months into the job and Frank Ishizaki confirms he is leaving the Department of Corrections, "with regret, I will be stepping down at the end of the week. It was a very short stint but it is necessary," according to a memo to DOC employees which was obtained by KUAM.

"There is much to be done to improve DOC and thanks to all of you, we have established a plan to reduce recidivism," he wrote. "I will count on you to execute the needed changes and improvements."

Ishizaki is looking forward to the continued support from the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio administration in moving DOC forward. He said they have hired 37 new corrections officers and is awaiting the hiring of additional parole officers, caseworkers, psych techs, and corrections officers.

"Yesterday, 02 (deputy director) and I signed a stack of GG1s to start the long, overdue promotions," Ishizaki wrote. "Promotions will reward the dedicated, hardworking, and committed employees who come to work, day in and day out. Your working conditions have been the worse I can remember but help is on the way."

The governor appointed Ishizaki as director of DOC last November, following the resignation of his predecessor Samantha Brennan amid heated oversight hearings and anonymous letters complaining about her lack of leadership and management style.

KUAM has learned that Ishizaki is resigning from DOC due to health reasons.