Morals Detail

Duties and Responsibilities

The Morals Detail is assigned to investigate cases involving prostitution and pornography and to enforce the corresponding laws.

Both male and female undercover officers address various problem areas including:

nude dancing establishments (liquor and non-liquor types)
massage parlors
hostess bars
public streets
the Internet
escort agencies
video shops/peep shows

Community Presentations

Officers from the Morals Detail speak at various public and private schools, community groups and at-risk programs when requested and as work load permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

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"

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.

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 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.

Phone numbers to call.

Please call 911 for situations requiring immediate police assistance.
HPD Morals Detail: 808-529-3228, for matters concerning prostitution and pornography violations.