About-HNP

Who We Are:

We serve an Island-wide and National Need through Health, Education, Advocacy, and Reintegration. Our volunteers work tirelessly, networking and collaborating with political figures, the justice system, social services, faith-based communities, state licensing institutions, foundations, health care professionals, and other community members in Hawaii who share our mission to improve the lives of these underage victims. We are an active member of the Hawaii Coalition Against Human Trafficking Task Force.

Currently, Ho`ōla Nā Pua is the only organization working to build a long-term licensed residential facility of this kind in Hawai’i.

Each Life Matters:

The scope of the problem can be overwhelming. The number of victims needing restorative intervention is vast, the rehabilitative process is challenging, and the resources currently available are sparse. We are often asked why we continue moving forward in light of the obstacles. For that, we point them to the story of The Boy and the Starfish. Though well known, it accurately portrays the heart of Hoʻōla Nā Pua.

Ho`ōla Nā Pua is committed to the prevention of sex trafficking and providing care for children who have been exploited.

The Hawaiian name Ho`ōla Nā Pua means “New Life for our Children.” Ho`ōla means healing and new life; pua means flower and is also a term of endearment when referring to children. Our name was blessed and given to us by a local kumu (teacher) to richly and culturally reflect our mission, and it closely identifies with and reflects our Hawaiian values and social heritage.

Many may see a flower in our logo, others a starfish, which symbolizes healing and renewal. Both have significant meaning and accurately depict our vision and mission. Our name speaks of new life and little flowers. Our mission is to offer new life through a comprehensive therapeutic campus for the vulnerable population of children who have been sex trafficked. We view these children as precious flowers needing hope, love, healing, and restoration.

Given the overwhelming scope of the problem, the vast number of victims needing restorative intervention, the challenging rehabilitative process, and the lack of resources, we are often asked why we continue moving forward. While the story of The Boy and the Starfish is well known to most, it accurately portrays our heart.

Ho`ōla Nā Pua’s Pearl Haven is a safe place for sexually exploited youth to heal and rediscover a new hope and vision for their futures.  The first of its kind in the heart of the Pacific, Pearl Haven will be a comprehensive wellness and treatment campus, built by YOU, our partners, for children who have never received advocacy or protection. 

Help us build a haven for girls to heal.

The Pearl Haven campus will open in Quarter 1 of 2021, funding dependent.
Inquiries can be made to Jessica Munoz at [email protected] 

The man asked the child what they were doing, and the child replied:,”I am throwing these washed up starfish back into the ocean, or else they will die from lack of oxygen.” “But,” said the man, “You can’t possibly save them all. There are thousands on this beach, and this must be happening on hundreds of beaches along the coast. You can’t possibly make a difference.”

The child looked down, frowning for a moment; bending down to pick up another starfish, smiling and throwing it back into the sea. The child replied:

“I made a huge difference to that one!”

~Adapted from “The Star Thrower”, by Loren Eiseley~