Prostitution in Paradise: New Law Increases Penalties

By Wendy Osher

Prostitution in paradise, Maui Now image.

Governor Neil Abercrombie signed a prostitution bill into law that increases penalties for offenders and seeks to remove activity from areas frequented by children.

House Bill 44 was introduced by Rep. Karl Rhoads who represents the Downtown and Chinatown areas of Honolulu.

“Children and their parents, going to and from school or the park, should not be exposed to a gauntlet of prostitutes, pimps and johns,” said Rep. Rhoads.  “The Governor’s signing of this bill is a strong message that the public has a right to use public thoroughfares without being intimidated by illegal activity,” said Rep. Rhoads.

HB44 makes it a misdemeanor offense to offer or agree to pay a fee to another person for the purpose of sexual conduct within 750 feet of a school or public park.

The bill was signed into law on June 1, 2011, and takes effect (as Act 74) on July 1, 2011.