Shining the Light on Sex Trafficking in Hawaii

Ho'ōla Nā Pua (HNP) is embarking on a comprehensive initiative to combat sex trafficking in Hawaii, focusing on Education and Awareness alongside a Demand Reduction Campaign. The initiative targets the prevalent issue of online sex buying, identified as a significant driver of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in Hawaii. As part of  “Shining the Light on Sex Trafficking in Hawaii,” HNP aims to expand Education and Awareness, reaching individuals statewide with strategies to decrease buying demand, particularly among high-demand groups like the military and tourism industry. Through stakeholder collaboration and research, HNP will design a Demand Reduction Campaign tailored to Hawaii's specific context, focusing on education, public commitments, and disrupting normalized beliefs about the commercial sex trade. HNP will develop multimedia resources, such as videos, PSAs and/or graphics, which can be accessed through a centralized website that links users to demand reduction information, tools and other resources. The campaign will utilize digital media, traditional media and community engagement to maximize reach and repetition, with focus on populations including but not limited to Hawaii’s military and Department of Defense sectors, tourists and college students. Concurrent with the campaign will be in-person Education and Awareness sessions delivered to public/private sectors and communities on Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui and Kauai. Youth under 18 will also receive Education and Awareness training to recognize the signs of trafficking and navigate online risks. By addressing both demand and education, HNP aims to accomplish the following Goal and Objectives over 24 months: Goal: HNP will expand Education and Awareness to equip individuals statewide with demand reduction strategies that decrease the demand of sex buying, with emphasis on populations that have historically shown high levels of demand, such as the military and the tourism industry. Objectives: Year 1 and 2: Provide Education and Awareness to 750 duplicated individuals of all ages on Hawaii Island, Maui and Kauai annually as well as to 1,125 duplicated individuals of all ages on Oahu per year. By Month 6, Year 1: Complete research, surveys and focus groups to establish a community-informed demand reduction multimedia campaign. By Month 9, Year 1: Develop multimedia resources, such as videos, PSAs, graphics etc. in tandem with a resource website to link users to demand reduction resources. By the End of Year 2: Reach 50,000 individuals through a multimedia campaign, including over 10,000 PSA video views; and Distribute 30,000 demand reduction print materials.