Protecting Hawaiʻi’s vulnerable youth aim of 3 measures waiting for governor’s signature

State Sen. Joy San Buenaventura of the Big Island, who represents Puna at the state Capitol in Honolulu, is lauding passage during the 2025 session of the Hawaiʻi Legislature of three bills aimed at strengthening protections and expanding support for some of the most vulnerable youth throughout the state.

Senate Bills 292 and 951 along with House Bill 613 focus on accountability, safety and access to essential services. 

“These bills reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting Hawaiʻi’s most vulnerable keiki,” San Buenaventura, chairwoman of the state Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, said in a press release outlining the measures. “This session, we made it a priority to make sure that young people in crisis are met with compassion, support and real opportunities to heal and thrive.”

* * * * * * * * *

SENATE BILL 292: Relating to Sexual Exploitation

SB 292 establishes safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation, shielding them from prosecution for related offenses when seeking medical or law enforcement help.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which supports the bill, called this initiative crucial in its written testimony to the state Senate Judiciary Committee and wrote it represents a significant step toward combating sex trafficking and providing justice for victims, particularly Native Hawaiians — who are disproportionately impacted by this form of exploitation.

“Establishing safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation sends a clear message that our state is committed to protecting the rights and well-being of all individuals, especially our most vulnerable populations,” the agency’s testimony says.

SENATE BILL 951: Relating to Child Protection

SB 951 strengthens child abuse reporting protocols by requiring the disclosure of military affiliation and coordination with appropriate military authorities.

Hawaiʻi Military Affairs Council wrote in testimony to a joint hearing of the state Senate Health and Human Services and Public Safety and Military Affairs committees that there is a critical gap in child protection for military families.

While federal law requires Department of Defense personnel to report suspected child abuse or neglect to military and local authorities, there is no reciprocal requirement for state and local child welfare.

That gap can result in vulnerable military families missing out on crucial services.

“This measure would establish a reciprocal state requirement, enhancing coordination between state child welfare services and military support systems, ultimately improving access to prevention and rehabilitation services for military children and families,” the agency wrote in its testimony.

The approach is already being used in 35 other states.

HOUSE BILL 613: Relating to Homeless Youth

HB 613 creates a Safe Spaces for Youth Program under the Office of Youth Services, providing shelters and support for unaccompanied homeless youth across all counties.

“Hawaiʻi is facing a crisis in homelessness, with our youngest community members bearing hardship,” the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi wrote in testimony to the state House Committee on Human Services and Homeleessness.

The party said 1 in 10 young adults age 18 to 25 years old and 1 in 30 youths age 13 to 17 years old in the islands experience some form of homelessness without the support of a parent or guardian.

They are among the most vulnerable members of the community — facing heightened risks of mental health issues, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, physical violence and disruptions in education.

“By passing this bill, the Legislature will take a crucial step in breaking the cycle of youth homelessness and protecting Hawaiʻi’s future generations,” wrote the state’s Democratic Party. “Providing stable shelter, food security, mental health support and pathways to education and employment will empower these youth to build self-sufficient and productive lives.”

* * * * * * * * *

All three bills passed with strong legislative and outside support.

They are seen as vital steps toward addressing youth homelessness, exploitation and gaps in child welfare oversight.

The measures are now awaiting Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green’s signature.