Senate bills would ban
minors in sex trades

The measures target nude dancing,
escort and massage services

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By B. J. Reyes
Associated Press

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved two bills yesterday aimed at preventing sexual exploitation of minors.

One bill would make it illegal to hire minors for exotic or nude dancing, escort services and erotic or nude massage. The other bill would require producers of pornography to keep documentation verifying that performers are at least 18 years old.

Victims advocate groups, including Sisters Offering Support and the Hawaii Family Forum, testified in support of the measures, citing recent studies that have detailed the rise in children and teenagers being used in the sex industry.

"This is a problem much larger than any of us realize," said Kelly Hill, founder of Sisters Offering Support.

Kelly Rosati, executive director of the Hawaii Family Forum, said victims often do not come forward because they are scared.

"The reason they don't come forward is because it's not worth it -- there aren't tough laws," she said. "A tough law like this is what we need to get at it."

The bill making it illegal to hire minors for sex-related jobs proposes that the crime be considered a Class B felony with penalties that would include the forfeiture of a business by someone who knowingly hired a minor.

Opponents said the measure is too strict.

Susan Arnett, testifying on behalf of the state Public Defender's Office, said that while the bill has good intentions, it applies the same penalty regardless of intent.

She said the measure could unfairly punish business owners who hire minors who knowingly provide false identification.

Although many minors are forced into the sex industry, advocates said, some also choose the work initially because it can be lucrative.

Both proposals now move to the floor for a vote by the full Senate.

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