The Issue
The Reality of Sex Trafficking in Hawaiʻi
Sex trafficking is not just a distant issue — it is happening here in Hawaiʻi and across the United States. Trafficking affects children and adults of all backgrounds and disproportionately impacts Native Hawaiian youth here in our islands. Survivors are often exploited through force, fraud, and coercion by people they know and trust.
The Scope of the Issue:
In 2025, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 113,500 reports of sex trafficking nationwide.
The national average age of first sexual exploitation is 14 years old.
In Hawaiʻi, children are first trafficked at an average age of 11.
On Hawaiʻi Island, the average age is just 8 years old.
These numbers reflect real children and families in our communities and signal the urgent need for prevention, education, and survivor-centered support.
Myths vs. Facts About Sex Trafficking
Media portrayals often reinforce myths about trafficking. Understanding the facts helps us recognize risk and protect victims.
Myth
Trafficking usually begins with abduction
Fact
Fewer than 10% of cases begin with kidnapping.
Most traffickers use grooming, emotional manipulation, false promises, threats, and coercion.
Myth
Trafficking is only perpetrated by men.
Fact
At least 36% of traffickers are women.
Women may be recruiters or co-exploiters and sometimes appear to “befriend” victims to gain trust.
Myth
Trafficking only happens in other countries.
Fact
82% of trafficking cases occur within the United States.
Trafficking happens in local neighborhoods, schools, hotels, homes, online platforms, and gaming environments.
Myth
Traffickers are usually strangers.
Fact
84% of victims were trafficked by a family member, friend, or romantic partner.
Trafficking most often grows from an existing relationship — not random encounters.
Myth
Trafficking only happens to girls.
Fact
35% of reported cases involve boys (23% in Hawaiʻi).
Boys are significantly affected but often underreported due to stigma.
The Issue
Who Is Most Impacted in Hawaiʻi?
A 2020 study of 363 people in Hawaiʻi found:
- 84 trafficked children
- 13 trafficked adults
- 266 individuals who reported not being trafficked
Additional key findings include:
- 64% of victims identified as all or part Native Hawaiian
- 45% of victims lived on Oʻahu
- 22% were forced to use drugs
- 33% reported technology was used as part of their trafficking
Technology-facilitated exploitation includes:
- online recruitment
- social media messaging
- gaming chats
- dating platforms
- digital advertisements
The Issue
How Victims Are Controlled
Contrary to common belief, trafficking rarely looks like abduction scenes in films.
Most traffickers rely on:
- emotional manipulation and grooming
- isolation from friends and family
- substance coercion
- threats and intimidation
- false promises of love, housing, or income
- digital monitoring and exploitation
These dynamics make it difficult for victims — especially children — to recognize exploitation or seek help.
The Issue
Why This Matters
The statistics represent more than numbers. They represent children losing their childhood, families facing trauma, and communities experiencing generational harm. Hawaiʻi’s cultural strength, ʻohana values, and commitment to keiki put us in a powerful position to respond.