STAND. COM. REP. NO. 648-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1960

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Labor, to which was referred H.B. No. 1960, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Department of the Attorney General to develop a human trafficking awareness training program for workers in the transient accommodations sector; and

(2) Require transient accommodations employers and third‑party contractors to provide the training and establish human trafficking prevention policies.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Department of Law Enforcement; and Imua Alliance.

Your Committee finds that human trafficking remains a pervasive and evolving threat in Hawaii, with transient accommodations frequently identified as high-risk locations where traffickers exploit anonymity and guest turnover to evade detection. Workers in hotels, resorts, and short-term rental operations often encounter warning signs but may lack adequate training, clear reporting procedures, or workplace support to safely identify and respond to potential trafficking situations. This measure will ensure frontline workers in the State's visitor industry are equipped with the tools needed to recognize trafficking indicators, strengthen early intervention, and enhance public safety across Hawaii's tourism sector.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1960, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor,

____________________________

JACKSON D. SAYAMA, Chair