HLTA Human Trafficking Disruption Plan

 In a location that counts tourism among its largest economic drivers, one must be cognizant that 63% of human trafficking incidents occur at hotel properties that range from economy to luxury. Being that Hawai'i is a uniquely situated location with a unique focus on tourism, our local hotel and lodging industry must make a concerted effort to address human trafficking.

Below, you will find the Hawai'i Lodging & Tourism Association’s plan to disrupt human trafficking. Announced in January 2020 in recognition of National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month, it gives HLTA members a framework to make their respective properties inhospitable to human traffickers and a pathway to report possible instances of human trafficking.
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1. Ho ‘omākaukau – To make ready
   1. Train hotel property staff on how to identify and effectively report suspected instances of human trafficking
      1. Invest in training for hotel staff
      2. Mandate training for:
         1. Front Office
         2. Housekeeping
         3. Security
2. Hō‘ike – Display
   1. Display in key areas informative signage that explains trafficking indicators
      1. Signage should be prominently displayed in the following areas:
         1. Where front desk staff can see them
         2. In all housekeeping staff areas
         3. In security areas
3. Ho‘okahua – To establish
   1. Establish a company-wide policy on how to address trafficking
      1. This should include:
         1. Comprehensive code of conduct for employees
         2. Zero-tolerance policy
         3. Comprehensive, step-by-step guide to report human trafficking
4. Ho‘ohui – To connect
   1. Connect and coordinate with local law enforcement
   2. Establish clear reporting standards (who to contact and how)
   3. Utilize the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888).

Ho ‘omākaukau
The front line in the fight against human trafficking is made up of the front of house employees in every hotel property. Hotel employees who have undergone training that focuses on how to identify instances of human trafficking are far more likely and willing to report it.
Contact information for pertinent agencies may be found on the State of Hawai'i’s Department of Human Services website at: http://humanservices.hawaii.gov/important-phone-numbers/.
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Training opportunities are also available at www.bestalliance.org and www.polarisproject.org.

Hō‘ike
The only way that hotel staff can remain vigilant is to display signage in key areas that will help staff to spot signs that may indicate that someone is a victim of human trafficking.

Free posters can be downloaded at: ecpatusa.org/hotel-posters; or https://humantraffickinghotline.org/get-involved/downloadable-resources. Materials can also be requested from the Department of Homeland Security at: https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/request-materials.

Ho‘okahua
To best prepare a hotel property to identify instances of human trafficking, a company-wide policy must be established and disseminated to all employees. This policy should include an employee code of conduct, a zero-tolerance policy for any instances of human trafficking by customers or employees, and steps to report instances of trafficking.

Ho‘ohui
In addition to working with local law enforcement, hotel properties and employees should utilize other resources to report possible signs of human trafficking.

For assistance or questions regarding human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. You may also text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).

The Department of Homeland Security also has a human trafficking tip line which can be reached at 866-347-2423.
 
For more information, please contact HLTA Director of Communications Jared Ellis at [email protected].
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