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Morals Detail
These are some frequently asked questions the morals detail receives:
Is
prostitution legal in the State of Hawaii?
No, prostitution is illegal in the entire State of Hawaii and a conviction can result in up to 30 days in jail or probation and/or $500 fine and/or community service as determined by the Courts. Laws recently enacted also prohibit persons from entering a certain geographic area where the prostitution violation occurred during certain hours.
What is prostitution?
The Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 712-1200 Prostitution, states:
- A person commits the offense of prostitution if the person engages in, or agrees or offers to engage in sexual conduct with another person for a fee.
- "Sexual conduct" means "sexual penetration", "deviate sexual intercourse", or "sexual contact".
Can a customer of prostitution be arrested/convicted as a prostitute would ?
Yes, in fact there have been many reverse operations in the past where male and female undercover officers pose as prostitutes which resulted in customers being arrested and convicted of prostitution.
What does the HPD Morals Detail do?
We are specifically assigned to investigate cases involving prostitution and pornography and to enforce the corresponding laws. We enforce these laws at various locations including: nude dancing establishments (liquor and non-liquor types), massage parlors, hostess bars, public streets (Waikiki, Downtown and Wahiawa), the Internet, escort agencies and video shops/peep shows. We employ male and female undercover officers to address these various problem areas.
Does the HPD Morals Detail only do enforcement?
No, several times a month HPD officers speak at various public and private schools, community groups and at-risk programs. This is done in conjunction with the non-profit program, Sisters Offering Support (SOS) which is designed to bring forth awareness regarding the dangers of prostitution.
What is a "pimp" or "madam?"
These are common names of persons who profit or advance from the proceeds of prostitution. They normally establish a business that employs prostitutes, including juveniles, for their own profit which the prostitute rarely shares in. Pimps often use physical force, financial dependency, and/or emotional and mental control among other methods to maintain dominance over their prostitute.
What can I do to help?
This is a particularly embarrassing subject and denial of the problem by parents and close friends prevents immediate help. If you suspect someone may be involved in prostitution, report it to police especially when it involves a juvenile. There are many unreported juvenile prostitution offenses that could be prevented. You can also refer the at-risk person to SOS for peer counseling and assistance.
Phone numbers to call.
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Please call 911 for situations requiring immediate police assistance.
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HPD Morals Detail: 808-529-3228, for matters concerning prostitution and pornography violations.
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Sisters Offering Support: 808-941-5554, for peer counseling and assistance.
