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Please watch the video above to see how shining the light makes an impact on our youth.
(Kindly note that after signing, on the next page Change.org will ask for a donation. These donations WILL NOT directly benefit our organization. Instead, it will go to change.org to promote this petition on their site. If you would like to donate to HNP use the link below.)
Please note: To contribute financially to Ho'ōla Nā Pua, please make your donation here!
A True Story
Not too long ago, a young girl named Lani* lived in the shadows, her days marred by the darkness of exploitation. Imagine her innocence stolen at the tender age of eight, trapped in a world of abuse, darkness, and exploitation.
This nightmare is the reality for FAR too many children like Lani in Hawaii. WE REFUSE to accept this as the norm. Join Hoola Na Pua to SHINE A LIGHT for these innocent children leading them away from life-changing trauma and abuse.
The Dark Reality
Behind the images of sand and surf in Hawaii in the heart of the Pacific is something dark: a criminal network dealing in the child sex trafficking of children. A horrifying reality, shattering countless innocent lives. This heinous crime has been exacerbated dramatically by the pandemic. Today, Ho'ōla Nā Pua (HNP) stands at the frontlines, leading the charge, offering a lifeline to victims of child sexual exploitation.
Statistics That Demand Action:
64% of trafficking victims are Native Hawaiian
3 out of 4 knew their trafficker – be it family, friend, or partner
69% faced homelessness
48 hours is all it takes for a runaway youth to encounter a trafficker
Over 60% had been in foster care
Victims can be as young as 8yrs; in Hawaii, the average age for first exploitation is just 11yrs old
A massive $150 billion industry, trafficking is second only to the drug trade. The U.S. ranks alarmingly high both as a consumer and producer of child exploitation content.
Shining the Light on Darkness ❤️
HNP was founded more than 14 years ago by Jessica Munoz, a pediatric crisis nurse with the heart of a warrior. Jessica witnessed the horrors firsthand, igniting a fire within her to build a haven of hope and healing. She recognized the need for a comprehensive system of care after encountering the brutality and traumatizing effects of sex trafficking on children (keiki).
Today, HNP leverages a decade of experience and a growing network of partnerships across public and private institutions to implement a comprehensive model of care for victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking throughout Hawaii, increase community awareness, and offer programs that create resilience in vulnerable populations.
The Dream of Pearl Haven ⭐️ A Beacon of Hope in the Pacific!
In 2021, as the world was caught in a storm of change, HNP unveiled a luminous beacon of hope: The Bromley Family Pearl Haven Campus. Picture this - a sanctuary nestled amidst 13 acres of nature’s embrace, as the Pacific's premier haven for our vulnerable children. A place where the whispering winds of Hawaii echo tales of resilience and recovery.
Pearl Haven isn't just another facility; it's a groundbreaking miracle for those who had believed miracles were mere myths! With its 32 welcoming beds, it offers what was once a distant dream in Hawaii – a protective embrace for young souls healing from deep-seated trauma and exploitation.
The heart of Pearl Haven beats to a unique rhythm, pioneering a clinical model that weaves intensive therapeutic care, immersive educational experiences, and transformative programs. It's more than just care; it’s a rebirth. It’s a place where children, once lost in darkness, find their lighted path to healing and rediscover joy.
In a nation where such sanctuaries are scarce – with under 600 beds for the estimated 100,000+ trafficked children annually – Pearl Haven stands tall, a testament to what passion and perseverance can achieve. In its comforting nooks and corners, children find more than just a shelter; they find friends and a trauma-informed home where healing isn’t just hoped for – it’s assured.
The numbers speak for themselves: 58% improvement in trauma symptoms, 32% uplift in spirits, and a 20% rise in self-assurance.
Together, let's make Pearl Haven not just a beacon for Hawaii, but for the world. Let's keep the torch lit, for every child, for every dream, and for a brighter tomorrow!
Our Vision ⭐️
Envision a Hawaii where every child's innocence is treasured, and where every child is protected. You have the power to make this vision come true. By endorsing this petition, you strengthen our voice against child trafficking.
Call to Action:
Donate: Stand with us to shine a light on the darkest corners, so that together, we can work relentlessly to help youth escape from the darkness and be given the opportunity to 'shine' again. Every beam of light we shine weakens the grip traffickers have on our youth, and every story of healing is because of your support.
Spread the Word: Amplify our cause. Sign and share this petition with everyone you know! Become the spark that creates global change. Spreading the word helps to equip individuals to recognize signs of youth in distress, and to discern the silent cries for help hidden behind veiled eyes. Only through vigilant, informed, and proactive communities can we prevent more children from being ensnared.
Volunteer: Work with our youth in need. Together, we can make a difference.
Conclusion ❤️
Stand united against the scourge of child sex trafficking in our paradise. Please sign this petition and help champion a safer, brighter future for our keiki! Let us illuminate the darkness and ensure every child's tomorrow is filled with promise.
Need help, or know someone who needs help? Please contact us:
Pearl Haven - Hoʻōla Nā Pua - New life for our children. (hoolanapua.org)
Check out our PSA (public service announcements) on iHeart Radio!
Through iHeart’s strong connections and relationships built with top-level influencers on a local and national level, we were able to use their voice and platform to spread Ho’ola Na Pua’s message
Kindly note that donating through the Change.org page, after signing, WILL NOT directly benefit our organization. Instead, it will go to change.org to promote this petition on their site.
Mahalo!