STAND. COM. REP. NO. 34

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 409

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 409 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SEX TRAFFICKING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to expressly include "coercion" as a means by which to advance prostitution in the commission of the offense of sex trafficking.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of the Attorney General, Maui Police Department, City and County of Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, IMUAlliance, The Sex Abuse Treatment Center, and six individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender.

Your Committee finds that the use of coercion is a common factor in sex trafficking, which is on the increase throughout the State. This measure provides an expanded definition of "coercion", which will provide additional means for law enforcement to protect victims and hold traffickers accountable. Your Committee also finds that adding "coercion" to the statute reflects the realistic means by which traffickers compel victims into prostitution.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 409 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services,

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair