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Committee advances safe‑harbor bill to protect survivors of exploitation seeking help
Summary
The committee passed SB292 SD1 with technical amendments to provide safe‑harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law‑enforcement assistance, following support from prosecuting attorneys and survivor advocates.
The House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness voted to pass SB292 SD1 with technical amendments on March 11, 2025, advancing a measure that would establish safe‑harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical care or law‑enforcement assistance.
Daniel Hugo of the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office told the committee the department supports safe‑harbor protections, saying survivors “should have access to law enforcement and to medical resources, safe from the fear of prosecution.” He said prior versions raised equal‑protection concerns that have been addressed in the current draft.
Written testimony supporting the bill came from several advocacy organizations, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, IMUA Alliance and the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women. Testimony from outreach groups emphasized that survivors sometimes avoid help out of fear of arrest.
A Zoom testifier who used the name Shelby Billionaire spoke in support and linked the measure broadly to trafficking and exploitation concerns; committee members asked speakers to confine remarks to the bill’s subject.
The chair recommended technical edits for clarity and consistency; the committee adopted the chair’s recommendation and passed the measure.
