Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR85

Introduced
3/12/26  
Refer
3/18/26  
Report Pass
4/2/26  
Refer
4/2/26  
Report Pass
4/9/26  

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii State Commission On The Status Of Women To Establish A Working Group And Provide A Report To The Legislature On Ways To Strengthen Prevention, Interventions, And Protections For Survivors Of Image-based Sexual Abuse.

Impact

If implemented, the working group is expected to evaluate current laws and policies to propose enhancements that adapt effective measures from other states. It aims to strengthen pathways to justice for survivors, particularly in light of the low reporting rates associated with this type of abuse. Currently, image-based sexual abuse is classified as a class C felony in Hawaii, but there are calls for additional frameworks to support affected individuals in seeking justice and protection.

Summary

House Resolution 85 requests the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women to establish a working group focused on enhancing prevention, intervention, and protections for survivors of image-based sexual abuse. This form of abuse includes the nonconsensual sharing of explicit images or videos, which can severely harm the victim's personal and professional life. The resolution highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to combat image-based sexual abuse, particularly as emerging technologies make such crimes easier to perpetrate.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR85 is largely positive, reflecting a growing awareness of the challenges faced by victims of image-based sexual abuse. Supporters hail the resolution as a proactive measure to address a pressing societal issue. The collaborative nature of the working group, which includes various stakeholders from law enforcement to advocacy groups, suggests a comprehensive approach to tackling the problem. However, there might be concerns about successfully implementing the recommendations given the complexities of legal and social frameworks.

Contention

Notably, HR85 also emphasizes the evolving nature of image-based sexual abuse facilitated by new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. This aspect raises contention regarding the adequacy of existing laws to address modern manifestations of abuse. The effectiveness of proposed interventions will depend on thorough research and collaboration among the working group members, necessitating a delicate balancing act between legislative action and community engagement.

Companion Bills

HI HCR93

Same As Requesting The Hawaii State Commission On The Status Of Women To Establish A Working Group And Provide A Report To The Legislature On Ways To Strengthen Prevention, Interventions, And Protections For Survivors Of Image-based Sexual Abuse.

HI SR71

Same As Requesting The Hawaii State Commission On The Status Of Women, In Collaboration With The Office Of The Legislative Reference Bureau And Department Of The Attorney General, To Establish A Working Group And Provide A Report To The Legislature On Ways To Strengthen Protections For Survivors Of Image-based Sexual Abuse.

Previously Filed As

HI HR103

Requesting The Hawaii State Commission On The Status Of Women To Convene A Working Group To Develop Measures To Strengthen Protections Under Title Ix.

HI HCR107

Requesting The Hawaii State Commission On The Status Of Women To Convene A Working Group To Develop Measures To Strengthen Protections Under Title Ix.

HI HR95

Requesting The Hawaii State Lgbtq+ Commission And Hawaii State Commission On The Status Of Women To Collaborate And Conduct A Comprehensive Review Of The Hawaii Revised Statutes And Recommend Amendments To Incorporate Gender-neutral Terminology.

HI HR186

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI HCR193

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI HCR99

Requesting The Hawaii State Lgbtq+ Commission And Hawaii State Commission On The Status Of Women To Collaborate And Conduct A Comprehensive Review Of The Hawaii Revised Statutes And Recommend Amendments To Incorporate Gender-neutral Terminology.

HI HR135

Requesting The Establishment Of A Working Group To Study The Feasibility Of Creating A Hawaii Cultural Trust To Preserve And Promote Hawaii's Cultural Resources.

HI SCR161

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI SR130

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI HCR192

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Establish A Native Hawaiian Economic Development Working Group.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.