Bill > HB1357

This bill establishes a Missing Indigenous Person Alert program in Hawaii designed to help rapidly locate indigenous persons who are missing and potentially in danger. The program allows law enforcement agencies to request an alert when a missing person is indigenous (including Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Native Alaskan, or First Nations), has gone missing under suspicious circumstances, and is potentially at risk. The alert can be activated through various communication channels like radio, television, electronic flyers, changeable message signs, and the Wireless Emergency Alerts System. To qualify for the alert, law enforcement must have exhausted local resources, believe the person is with a potentially dangerous individual or in peril, and have information that could assist in the person's safe recovery. The legislation is motivated by data showing a disproportionate number of missing persons cases involve indigenous women and girls, who are also at higher risk of becoming victims of sex trafficking. The bill appropriates funds for the program's establishment and implementation, with the program set to take effect on July 1, 2025, complementing existing alert systems like AMBER and Silver Alerts by providing a targeted response for indigenous missing persons.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1357&year=2026