If Hawaii can increase efficiency in its prison system, reduce recidivism rates and ensure accountability in parole supervision, the number of Hawaii prisoners incarcerated in Arizona could drop from 1,750 today to fewer than 600 by the year 2018.

That comes from “Justice Reinvestment in Hawaii” analysis that was presented this morning (Jan. 17) at the Capitol.

The proposed changes won’t happen overnight, and they require money on the part of the Hawaii Legislature — about $7 million annually.

But the net savings to Hawaii would be a cumulative $108 million in six years time. That money could in turn be “reinvested” back into the state to help cut crime rates and keep prison populations down.