Child sex trafficking is a grave and pressing issue in the state of Hawaii, demanding immediate attention and action. Shockingly, 64% of trafficking victims are Native Hawaiian, with the grim reality that three out of four victims personally know their traffickers, whether they were family, friends, or partners. Many of these victims, 69% to be exact, have experienced homelessness, making them more vulnerable to exploitation. Once a child runs away from home, it takes just 48 hours for them to encounter a trafficker. 
 
Trafficking in Hawaii often starts at a heartbreakingly young age—victims can be as young as eight years old, with the average age for first exploitation being just 11 years old. This dark trade is part of a staggering $150 billion industry globally, second only to the drug trade. Alarmingly, the United States ranks high both as a consumer and producer of child exploitation. 
 
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month—a time not only to raise awareness, but to take meaningful action to protect children from sexual exploitation.  

Learn more about the issue in this video:

 

 

Please sign this petition to join our cause in ending child sex trafficking in Hawaii and to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. By signing this petition, you are taking a pledge to stand against child sex trafficking in Hawai‘i by committing to learn more, take action, and share responsibility for protecting keiki (children) in our communities. 

When You Sign This Petition, You Pledge To:  

• Educate yourself about child sex trafficking in Hawai‘i by signing up for training with Ho‘ōla Nā Pua to learn how to prevent, recognize, and responsibly respond to child abuse and exploitation. (email: Ashley.Flick@hoolanapua.org or call (808) 374-2571 to inquire about individual and group training.)
• Share this pledge with your friends, family, and colleagues on your social media platforms—because prevention requires community action.  

This petition is about moving beyond awareness. Children are protected when informed people take action. Throughout January, Ho‘ōla Nā Pua will engage communities across the state through public awareness and action-oriented events designed to move people from knowledge to meaningful engagement.  If you are on the island, we invite you to join us.

January Community Events & Activations 

• January 9 | Stand With Us Against Human Trafficking  
  Statewide Sign-Waving | 3:00–4:30 p.m.  
  Locations across O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island, Maui, and Kaua‘i
• January 11 | #WearBlueDay  
  A statewide call to wear blue for awareness and red as a symbol of urgency and action to protect keiki
• January 14 | O‘ahu Sign-Waving Activation  
  Led by the Hawai‘i Attorney General’s Office
• January 31 | Tavana Charity Concert by Seaside Realty  
  Location: Café Kopi -- A closing event bringing the community together through music, storytelling, and survivor-centered advocacy  
  For more information about National Human Trafficking Awareness Month events, visit HoolaNaPua.org.  
   

About Ho‘ōla Nā Pua 

Ho‘ōla Nā Pua was founded over 15 years ago by Jessica Muñoz, a pediatric crisis nurse who witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of sexual exploitation on children. Recognizing the urgent need for a comprehensive, trauma-informed response, she built an organization dedicated to both prevention and healing.

Today, Ho‘ōla Nā Pua provides:  

• Survivor-centered care and long-term residential healing at our 32 bed facility called Pearl Haven.
• Community education and prevention training
• Partnerships across public and private systems statewide 

About Pearl Haven: A Place of Healing  

In 2021, Ho‘ōla Nā Pua opened the Bromley Family Pearl Haven Campus, a 13-acre residential healing campus for children recovering from sex trafficking.  
Pearl Haven is one of the only facilities of its kind in the nation, offering:  

• 32 residential beds
• Intensive trauma therapy
• Education, life skills, and restorative programming
• A safe, trauma-informed environment for long-term healing   

Learn more about Pearl Haven by watching this video:

 

 

Pearl Haven proves that healing is possible when children are protected and supported.

Outcomes show: 

• 58% reduction in trauma symptoms
• 32% improvement in emotional well-being
• 20% increase in self-confidence   

Your Pledge Matters

By signing this petition, you are adding your voice to a growing movement that says:  

• Silence is not an option
• Awareness must lead to action
• Every adult has a role in protecting children

Take the Next Steps:  

• Sign the petition
• Register for Ho‘ōla Nā Pua training by emailing Ashley.Flick@hoolanapua.org or call  (808) 374-2571
• Share this pledge with your community on your social media platforms
• Speak up when something doesn’t feel right (Call 1-888-373-7888 or  808-445-3131)  

Our Vision  

Envision a Hawaii where every child's innocence is treasured, and where every child is protected. You have the power to make this vision come true. By endorsing this petition, you strengthen our voice against child trafficking. Together, we can create a Hawai‘i where children are protected, survivors are supported, and exploitation has no place.  

Please sign this petition, take the pledge, and share it widely. Because protecting keiki is a responsibility we all share.  
   
Need help, or know someone who needs help? Please contact us:  
Pearl Haven - Hoʻōla Nā Pua - New life for our children. (hoolanapua.org)  

 

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT DONATIONS  
After signing the petition, Change.org may prompt you to donate.  
⚠️ These donations do NOT go to Ho‘ōla Nā Pua and instead support Change.org’s platform.  
👉 You do NOT need to donate to sign this petition.  
If you wish to support Ho‘ōla Nā Pua directly, please donate here:  
🔗 https://give.hoolanapua.org/campaign/723011/donate