Imua Alliance

12/10/2025

AI has made it easy to weaponize intimate images. Sadly, Hawai’i’s outdated laws make it nearly impossible for survivors to seek justice.

Nearly 75% of survivors of image-based s*xual abuse seek help. Yet our current law requires victims to prove the specific harm that they suffered.

Only 12% of cases involve a specific intent to retaliate against another person. Most cases happen for profit, amusement, or entertainment.

As Amy Zhao, Imua Alliance Policy and Partnerships Strategist, said in an editorial published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser today, survivors deserve justice without having to prove their pain.

No survivor should have to climb into the mind of their abuser to be believed. Hawai’i must modernize its laws to protect victims of image-based s*xual abuse and hold perpetrators truly accountable.

11/26/2025

No excuses.

November 25th is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Globally, nearly one of out of every three women experience physical, s*xual, or psychological violence.

In the digital age, we must ensure the fast pace of technological change doesn’t accelerate gender-based harm and online misogyny.

Women’s rights are human rights. Let’s take action today—and every day—to end gender violence on our shores and throughout the world.

11/18/2025

Break the silence.

Today is World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence.

Healing is possible. Prevention is powerful. Safety and justice should be guaranteed to all our keiki.

Let’s give survivors the dignity they deserve. Join the movement at imuaalliance.org. 💙

10/06/2025

We’re fighting for survivors.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio recently covered Imua Alliance’s efforts to call for a victim-led transition plan for the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Last month, the contract to operate the hotline was awarded to a new organization. The hotline is a lifeline for survivors, as well as those who support them.

We’re working to ensure this change doesn’t disrupt core services for survivors. They deserve our care, compassion, and unyielding support.

As Amy Zhao states, “If we work together, we can make progress in ending all systems of exploitation that continue to harm our society.”

The National Human Trafficking Hotline has a new management team after 18 years of being operated by Polaris Project, and a local advocacy and resource group plans to work to ensure the new organization continues the victim-centered approach.

07/10/2025

Justice wins. ✨

On July 1st, Gov. Josh Green signed SB 292 into law as Act 261, granting safe harbor protections to survivors of exploitation.Now, victims who seek medical or law enforcement assistance will not be held responsible for the harm they have endured.

Mahalo to all who championed this proposal over the years. When we commit to rekindling the fire of human rights, we can pass on the light of compassion for generations to come.

04/23/2025

VICTORY! Yesterday, House and Senate conferees passed SB 292, which grants safe harbor protections to survivors of exploitation.

This is a huge win in our state’s fight against s*xual slavery. Now, survivors who report their exploitation to first responders won’t be held responsible for the harm they’ve endured.

Mahalo to Rep. Jeanné Kapela and Sen. Joy A. San Buenaventura, who sponsored this proposal, and to Rep. Lisa Marten and Sen. Karl Rhoads who made sure it moved forward this year.

We’re two for two, with our civil liabilities bill being passed earlier this year. 2025 has been a huge year for strengthening Hawaiʻi’s policies for survivor justice.

Let’s keep championing a society that replaces trauma with a pathway toward hope for all!

04/16/2025

We’re still fighting for hope!

We have one more bill left to pass during this year’s legislative session. SB 292 would provide “safe harbor” protections for survivors of s*xual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance.

Passing this bill will ensure that victims of trafficking are not held legally responsible for the trauma they have experienced or the harm they have endured.

Listen to Imua Alliance’s Youth Justice Advocate, Amy Zhao, explain the how exploitation impacts Hawaiʻi. To donate to our efforts, visit the link in our bio.

Together, let’s take a stand for justice and restoration.

04/10/2025

WE DID IT! The State Legislature has passed HB 111, which empowers trafficking survivors to pursue civil lawsuits against businesses, owners, and operators that profit from exploitation.

This is a huge step forward in the fight for survivor rights and gender justice. Once this bill is signed into law, victims of trafficking will be able to seek damages for the harm and trauma they have endured.

Mahalo to everyone who helped make this happen. Next stop: the desk of Gov. Josh Green for signature!

03/20/2025

It’s Amy’s turn to speak! Meet Amy Zhao, Imua Alliance’s Youth Justice Advocate. You’ve heard her talk about our efforts to help survivors heal from s*xual exploitation. Now, listen to Amy share her story about why she’s passionate about fighting gender violence. Let’s make 2025 a year for hope!

03/18/2025

Economic precarity directly impacts exploitation.

When people can’t afford food, housing, or other basic needs, traffickers can seize the opportunity to play the “savior” role and provide victims with a false sense of financial security.

Similarly, people are more susceptible to being lured into exploitation by gifts when goods and services are out of reach, available only to the wealthy.

Homeless youth are perceived as easy targets for traffickers because they lack stable shelter, a supportive environment, and financial resources, placing them at greater risk of s*xual servitude.

When sstable shelter is unavailable, traffickers ask, “Where are you going to go? Why don’t you come with me? I’ll take care of you.”

To fully combat exploitation, we must address its roots. We need to create a living wage for all, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and economic opportunities that guarantee everyone the ability to thrive, not just survive, in our island home.

03/12/2025

Survivors deserve justice.

As Imua Alliance’s Youth Justice Advocate Amy Zhao explains, local businesses, like hotels and fake massage parlors, are able to profit from exploitation without facing any serious consequences.

We’re fighting to change that. HB 111 would authorize civil claims against businesses, as well as their owners and operators, that turn a blind eye to s*x trafficking that happens on their premises.

Visit the www.imuaalliance.org to learn more. Together, we can provide hope to those who need it most.