In a major victory for the Abercrombie administration, both houses of the Hawaii Legislature are sending Senate Bill 2776 to the governor’s desk.

The bill, which utilizes a data-driven approach to reform the state’s crowded criminal justice system, aims to help improve paroling policies and system efficiency. That would include more early releases of some offenders.

After the Senate voted earlier Thursday (May 3), the House took up the measure.

Republican Barbara Marumoto argued that SB 2776 “is primarily a cost-saving measure for administration and not true prison reform.” She and others have worried that public safety may be put at risk.

But Democrat Henry Aquino, who helped push it through the Legislature, countered that SB 2776 has language to help address concerns that have been raised. Aquino said there will not be greater risk to public safety.

There is also language in SB 2776 to help with victim restitution.

Aquino gave props to Sen. Will Espero and Abercrombie deputy chief of staff, Blake Oshiro, for their work on the legislation.