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Posted: Wednesday, February 13th, 2013 9:04 AM HST

Lawmakers promote bill to assist trafficking victims

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

State lawmakers are promoting a bill to require certain businesses to post signs with information on resources for victims of human trafficking. The House committees on the judiciary and consumer protection approved the measure this week, which would impact establishments like massage parlors, large farms, hospital emergency rooms and certain alcoholic establishments. Anti-trafficking organizations say they strongly support the bill. Hawai`i was the site of the largest human trafficking case in the nation last year when a California-based business was accused of exploiting 600 Thai farm workers. The state passed its first anti-trafficking law in 2011.