HI HB2183

Establishes safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, prohibiting their arrest, prosecution, or conviction based on evidence obtained through their help-seeking.

Amends prostitution statutes (§712-1200, §712-1206, §712-1207) to add definitions of "seeks medical or law enforcement assistance" including reporting to 911, medical providers, reproductive health providers, or law enforcement agencies.

Protects individuals from civil forfeiture of property and other penalties when probable cause or evidence for charges was gained as a result of seeking medical or law enforcement assistance, with exception for other unrelated criminal offenses.

Notes that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately overrepresented in sex trafficking survivor populations (64% in one survey) and cites 2018 data indicating approximately 74,362 potential sex buyers in Hawaii and 150 establishments involved in commercial sex trade.

Takes effect upon approval.