HI HB2251

Clarifies Hawaii's sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes in response to the Hawaii Supreme Court decision in State v. Ibarra (2023), refining the definition of "profits from prostitution" to include knowingly receiving money or property from a third party to participate in prostitution proceeds.

Establishes an affirmative defense for individuals who receive funds in the ordinary course of lawful business where the source was immaterial to the transaction and without intent to facilitate prostitution.

Separates the sex trafficking offense into distinct subsections: advancing prostitution through force, threat, fraud, coercion, or intimidation (class A felony); profiting from such coerced prostitution; and advancing or profiting from prostitution of a minor with strict liability regarding the victim's age.

Consolidates key definitions including "minor," "sexual conduct," and "seeks medical or law enforcement assistance" into a new centralized definitions section (712-1201) applicable to the entire prostitution offenses chapter.

Updates cross-references in child abuse statutes (sections 350-1 and 588-2) to align with the renumbered sex trafficking provisions and makes technical corrections throughout.