HI HCR137

Urges the Department of Human Services to establish or contract with a victim service provider to operate and maintain an emergency shelter for children who are survivors of sex trafficking.

Requests the emergency shelter provide housing, rehabilitation, medical, mental health, therapeutic, legal, and diagnostic services for child survivors of sex trafficking.

Notes Hawaii has only one emergency shelter for child survivors of sex trafficking, which temporarily ceased operations in 2021 due to budget shortfalls.

Cites a 2018 Arizona State University report estimating 74,362 potential sex buyers in Hawaii and reports of a 300 percent increase in demand for victim services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Directs certified copies be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Human Services, and Executive Director of the State Commission on the Status of Women.