Bill > HB689

This bill establishes safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance by amending three sections of Hawaii's Revised Statutes related to prostitution. The bill aims to prevent the criminalization of sex trafficking victims by adding language that protects individuals who, in good faith, seek help for themselves or others from being arrested, charged, prosecuted, or having their property seized. Specifically, the bill defines "seeks medical or law enforcement assistance" broadly to include making reports to 911, poison control, medical providers, reproductive health providers, or law enforcement agencies, and providing care while awaiting medical or law enforcement personnel. The legislation is grounded in findings that sex trafficking disproportionately affects Native Hawaiians, with 64% of trafficking victims having Native Hawaiian ancestry, and that victims should not be criminalized for their own exploitation. The bill introduces provisions across three different sections of law (712-1200, 712-1206, and 712-1207) to ensure that individuals seeking help will not face legal consequences, with the goal of reducing stigma, supporting survivors, and encouraging them to access social services and trauma-informed care.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=689&year=2026