Leaders call attention to severity of human trafficking in Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii leaders are spreading awareness and outlining actions to combat human trafficking in the state.

Gov. Josh Green was joined by several county, state, and federal law enforcement departments and crime prevention agencies as he signed a proclamation Friday acknowledging January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

“It’s devastating to think that this beautiful home, this paradise, is a place where our most vulnerable children can be taken,” said Green. “Every child, from our perspective, deserves to live in a space of safety.”

He added, “We must recognize a heartbreaking truth: Native Hawaiian keiki are disproportionately affected by human trafficking. This is not just a statistic – it is a call to action, demanding that we confront the systemic issues that allow this to persist.”

The Department of the Attorney General oversees the state Human Trafficking Prevention Program to raise public awareness, and provide education and resources to address and prevent trafficking.

“Traffickers exploit their victims through force, fraud and coercion. We have the power to stop it,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez. “By raising awareness to the connection between human trafficking, online harassment and abuse, domestic violence and other forms of abuse, we can develop more effective strategies to combat exploitation.”

Several events are being held in honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, including a candlelight vigil on Jan. 30 at the Hawaii State Capitol to honor those impacted by trafficking. Speakers will include advocates and service providers.

In 2016, Hawaii passed a law banning sex trafficking. Now all 50 states recognize sex trafficking and human trafficking as crimes.

State Rep. Linda Ichiyama, Vice Speaker, D- Fort Shafter Flats, Salt Lake, Pearl Harbor, said lawmakers approved a number of initiatives, including the creation of a Special Investigation and Prosecution Division, establishing a human trafficking abatement coordinator, and, most recently, a law requiring data collection and reporting across all state agencies.

“We know that the issue of human trafficking is multifaceted, and we need to collect as much data information as possible so that we can make sure the policies and laws that we’re passing are meeting those needs and having the right effect,” she said.

The governor says families are also an important part of the solution. He encouraged the public to be vocal if there are any signs of concern.

“Speak up to families and friends and neighbors, and speak up to law enforcement, even just to make a check so we can make sure things are okay,” he said.

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