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Hawaii Senate Passes Bill Protecting Trafficked Youth

5/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Hawaii Senate Bill 2108 passed both chambers and now awaits the governor’s decision by June 30.
The bill would require judges to consider a youth’s trauma history before adult charging and would bar trafficked or sexually abused victims from adult prosecution.
Proponents say the measure will keep children in juvenile facilities, while the Honolulu prosecutor’s office warned the trauma link is uncertain and could be misused.

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Story summary

Hawaii Senate Bill 2108 passed both chambers and now awaits the governor’s decision by June 30.
The bill would require judges to consider a youth’s trauma history before adult charging and would bar trafficked or sexually abused victims from adult prosecution.
Proponents say the measure will keep children in juvenile facilities, while the Honolulu prosecutor’s office warned the trauma link is uncertain and could be misused.