News and Media Reports

[Rotten Otto]

McKenna Maduli, new khon2 weather girl. OMG. I'm in heat. Hot is an understatement. Spinner blondie with a twist of hapa. Hoping she moonlights. Yum.

[Lowlys One]

Yes, in some instances. Here's an example that involves only adults. Simply paying, or offering or agreeing to pay, a fee to engage in sexual conduct with an adult has usually been a petty misdemeanor in Hawaii. Pursuant to the new law, however, if the adult "is a victim of sex trafficking," the offense becomes a class C felony, punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine. The customer or potential customer doesn't need to know for sure that the adult provider is a victim of sex trafficking, because the new law says that even "reckless disregard of the fact that the other person is a victim of sex trafficking" is sufficient. An adult provider is considered a victim of sex trafficking if the provider was compelled or induced by a pimp, so-called boyfriend, or anyone else "by force, threat, fraud, or intimidation to engage in prostitution". So in light of the new law, mongers should be extra careful that a provider isn't being compelled or induced by anyone, by force, threat, fraud or intimidation, to engage in prostitution. The law also provides that a victim of sex trafficking can file a civil lawsuit against someone who "hired, or attempted to hire the individual to engage in prostitution, when a reasonable person would believe that the individual was coerced into prostitution by another person or was being subjected to sex trafficking".

Honestly I don't have a problem with this law, this new law tells me my requirements have to change, among them now is if there is even a wiff of a handler / pimp, ect. , automatic, " no can", that's it! I mean let's face it, if someone is forced into this buisness unwillingly and we know it but yet still continue on and support slavery by seeing her again, we should be punished. There's my part in ending slavery. Here's the part that worries me, "a reasonable person", " a reckless disregard of the facts", if I have an outcall and a car pulls up to my place and she gets dropped off, I see this of course, would that be reckless disregard? There is a big gray area here, subect for interpretation, especially if, one is, in the first place already trying to mind his own buisness, with the knowldege that one little fact revealed could jepordize the whole deed. Even if a person has a "handler or driver, ect. ", in the eyes of the law (of course, I've already considered it could be slavery, according to my eyes, and thus avoid those providers) then does this automatically mean slavery? I know the rules have changed and so should I.

[Redneck 1]

(Although much more research and testing will be needed, it seems that there might eventually be a potential cure for those mongers and providers who suffer from the effects of herpes.)


Gene-editing shows promise against herpes.

Nearly everyone carries one version or another of the herpes virus. A recent study suggests that the new gene-editing technology known as CRISPR/Cas9 may be able to eliminate this ever-present virus, or at least suppress it.

"At this point, there is no cure for the herpes virus infection. Once infected, you're infected for life," said Robert Jan Lebbink, co-author of the study and a molecular biologist at University Medical Center in Utrecht, Netherlands.

The virus develops a latent stage, in which it lies dormant in an infected cell without reproducing. Because our immune systems cannot recognize latent infections, we cannot clear them from our bodies.

Occasionally, though, these viruses will wake and reproduce, spreading the virus to other cells or other people. The new research, published in the journal PLOS Pathogens, explores a new approach to stopping this sometimes deadly virus.

Herpes comes in more than a hundred strains, though only eight routinely infect humans. Herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores, while herpes simplex type 2 is responsible for genital herpes. Human cytomegalovirus can cause birth defects if transmitted from mother to fetus. Epstein-Barr virus, another version, can cause mononucleosis or even cancer.

All told, herpes viruses may result in cold sores, corneal infections, shingles, genital sores, the "kissing disease," and tumors.

Any of the drugs currently used to treat herpes addresses the symptoms but does not destroy the virus itself. This is why any sores or infections may return repeatedly throughout our lives.

CRISPR-Cas9 is gene-editing technology that is based on a natural system used by bacteria to protect themselves from viruses. Because CRISPR/Cas9 can target double-stranded DNA such as the herpes virus, Lebbink and his colleagues decided to put the two together in a death match.

"Can we design CRISPRs that specifically target the genome of these viruses in infected cells?," Lebbink asked. By cutting the viruses to pieces or mutating regions of their genomes, he figured, virus replication would be blocked, or better yet, the virus might be cleared from infected cells altogether.

When attacked by a virus, bacteria produce two types of short RNA, one of which corresponds exactly to stretches of code within the virus' DNA. These two RNA then join with a protein called Cas9. The RNA with identical code spots the same stretch within the viral genome, and Cas9 snips it, effectively disabling the virus.

For his own study, Lebbink and his co-authors targeted just three types of herpes viruses: herpes simplex type 1, human cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr.

The experiments showed that CRISPR/Cas9 could severely block virus replication for herpes simplex and human cytomegalovirus. The results for Epstein-Barr were even more dramatic.

"Also, for Epstein-Barr, a herpes virus that in some cases causes cancer, we were even able to remove the virus from infected tumor cells, essentially curing the cells from their invader," Lebbink said.

Though dramatic, all of these experiments were done on monkey and human cells in a mere petri dish; none was performed on live animals or live humans. So, while it appears the CRISPR/Cas9 system may be very effective in rooting out herpes, Lebbink explained that much more research is needed.

First, animal studies need to be done, and human tests would follow. Still, he is hopeful the science will profoundly influence health care.

"Scientists now have a very powerful tool to make specific edits at almost any site in the human genome, remove genes, introduce genes, alter cancer-causing genes, repair genetic defects, etc."

[Honolulu808]

And no woman ever prostituted in Hawaii ever again.

So what happens when a woman doesn't have a pimp and willingly enters the sex trade willingly and with full knowledge of the situation?

Are they going to arrest her for trafficking herself and offer her all those social workers to get out?

There is a fine line with this issue. If the two parties agree to a set fee for "companionship" all is okay but if a sexual act is done then the provider ask for money "after the sexual act" it could be taken as racketeering which become a Class C felony charge. Prostitution in its self is a misdemeanor charge.

[Redneck 1]

I think trusted AMPs are ok but I would be skeptical of independents.

Yes, but there are some relaxation businesses that sometimes have one or more American-born providers who may be pimped.

Another noteworthy aspect of the law is that it includes incentives for a provider to claim to LE that she's a sex trafficking victim (such as freedom from criminal conviction, a witness protection program, and potential cash from a civil lawsuit). It seems relatively easy for a provider to claim -- after she's caught -- that she was "induced" by someone through "intimidation" to engage in prostitution.

[Bikini]

. An adult provider is considered a victim of sex trafficking if the provider was compelled or induced by a pimp, so-called boyfriend, or anyone else "by force, threat, fraud, or intimidation to engage in prostitution". So in light of the new law, mongers should be extra careful that a provider isn't being compelled or induced by anyone, by force, threat, fraud or intimidation, to engage in prostitution. ".

I think trusted AMPs are ok but I would be skeptical of independents.

[Idusixtyning]

If you conider 31 cases in Hawaii an outbreak, according to HNN, State health officials say there is a sudden outbreak of Hepatitis hitting our State.

One of the ways you can hepatitis is through sexual contact. Hepatitis is not normally deadly, but it may leave you out of action for an extended period of time. Be safe braddahs and be careful what you do and with whom.

http://m.hawaiinewsnow.com/hawaiinew...ntent/tq6JpKyP

It's really Hepatitis B and C that you really have to watch out for. Hep A usually spread by ingestion of food contaminated by an infected person (from feces). Hep A usually will resolve in most people after time. Of course it won't be a pleasant time. But Hep B and C are far more serious. Hep B can be sexually transmitted and by blood. Hep C by blood.

Simple to prevent Hep A and B. Just get vaccinated. It's a good idea at least for Hep A vaccination if you travel out of country.

[Redneck 1]

I haven't read the actual language of the new law, but what I'm wondering is if it will result in stronger penalties against any monger who is busted while being with a working girl.

Yes, in some instances. Here's an example that involves only adults. Simply paying, or offering or agreeing to pay, a fee to engage in sexual conduct with an adult has usually been a petty misdemeanor in Hawaii. Pursuant to the new law, however, if the adult "is a victim of sex trafficking," the offense becomes a class C felony, punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine. The customer or potential customer doesn't need to know for sure that the adult provider is a victim of sex trafficking, because the new law says that even "reckless disregard of the fact that the other person is a victim of sex trafficking" is sufficient. An adult provider is considered a victim of sex trafficking if the provider was compelled or induced by a pimp, so-called boyfriend, or anyone else "by force, threat, fraud, or intimidation to engage in prostitution". So in light of the new law, mongers should be extra careful that a provider isn't being compelled or induced by anyone, by force, threat, fraud or intimidation, to engage in prostitution. The law also provides that a victim of sex trafficking can file a civil lawsuit against someone who "hired, or attempted to hire the individual to engage in prostitution, when a reasonable person would believe that the individual was coerced into prostitution by another person or was being subjected to sex trafficking".

[DangerBoy]

Agreed.

I'm not saying that anyone should monger safe or do it bare, because we're all adults here.

But for the time being, it might be a good time to wrap it up — or consider taking a short vacation.

If you conider 31 cases in Hawaii an outbreak, according to HNN, State health officials say there is a sudden outbreak of Hepatitis hitting our State.

One of the ways you can hepatitis is through sexual contact. Hepatitis is not normally deadly, but it may leave you out of action for an extended period of time. Be safe braddahs and be careful what you do and with whom.

http://m.hawaiinewsnow.com/hawaiinew...ntent/tq6JpKyP

[DangerBoy]

I believe in some states, busted mongers have to register as "sex offenders".

I do know some cities and states have instituted asset forfeiture laws — so the cops can seize any cash on you and seize your car, regardless if you're guilty or not guilty. You know, never mind about due process or the fourth amendment, because the boogeyman of sex trafficking trumps the Constitution.

If you want either back, it's an expensive process that makes defense attorneys very happy in the way of billing.

I haven't read the actual language of the new law, but what I'm wondering is if it will result in stronger penalties against any monger who is busted while being with a working girl.

[Blake123]

So what happens when a woman doesn't have a pimp and willingly enters the sex trade willingly and with full knowledge of the situation?

Are they going to arrest her for trafficking herself and offer her all those social workers to get out?

I haven't read the actual language of the new law, but what I'm wondering is if it will result in stronger penalties against any monger who is busted while being with a working girl.

[HiLife808]

If you conider 31 cases in Hawaii an outbreak, according to HNN, State health officials say there is a sudden outbreak of Hepatitis hitting our State.

One of the ways you can hepatitis is through sexual contact. Hepatitis is not normally deadly, but it may leave you out of action for an extended period of time. Be safe braddahs and be careful what you do and with whom.

http://m.hawaiinewsnow.com/hawaiinew...ntent/tq6JpKyP

The first 12 reported cases had one common denominator, spicy ahi poke!

[DarthTyranus]

If you conider 31 cases in Hawaii an outbreak, according to HNN, State health officials say there is a sudden outbreak of Hepatitis hitting our State.

One of the ways you can hepatitis is through sexual contact. Hepatitis is not normally deadly, but it may leave you out of action for an extended period of time. Be safe braddahs and be careful what you do and with whom.

http://m.hawaiinewsnow.com/hawaiinew...ntent/tq6JpKyP

[DangerBoy]

What I've never understood about Hawaii is how most of the population goes along with whatever the government tells them.

Hey, let's build a rail system! Ok, why not?

Hey, let's put gun owners on the same database criminals are! Sure, why not?

Let's pass a sex trafficking bill, despite the fact that all those studies have been debunked. Well, every other state has one, so.

I'm not a Republican, but the lack of interest in questioning the government on even the most basic level drives me nuts.

While you're at it, why not include the address as well. Wait a minute. Isn't there such a registration now required for sex offenders? Hmmm.

[DangerBoy]

And no woman ever prostituted in Hawaii ever again.

So what happens when a woman doesn't have a pimp and willingly enters the sex trade willingly and with full knowledge of the situation?

Are they going to arrest her for trafficking herself and offer her all those social workers to get out?

Hawaii becomes last state to ban sex trafficking.

Associated Press.

July 5, 2016.

Updated July 5, 2016 3:48 pm.

.

ASSOCIATED PRESS.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige signs a bill banning sex trafficking as members of the Hawaii Women's Legislative Caucus applaud on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, in Honolulu. Hawaii became the last state in the nation to explicitly ban sex trafficking.

.

Hawaii has become the last state in the nation to explicitly ban sex trafficking.

Gov. David Ige signed the bill into law Tuesday. It makes sex trafficking a violent crime and class A felony, expands the statewide witness protection program to include sex trafficking and provides victims access to criminal injury compensation.

"It's a historic day for Hawaii. Now, from sea to sea, the United States can say it banned sexual slavery," said Kris Coffield, executive director of Imua Alliance, which works with sex trafficking victims. "The most direct benefit for victims is that now, instead of being criminalized and put in a jail cell, and facing prosecution, they'll be placed in a support services network and treated as victims of violent crimes instead of accomplices to their own exploitation. ".

Before Ige signed the bill, Hawaii was the only state in the nation without a law that specifically banned sex trafficking. Human trafficking was banned, but people paid for sex work could be prosecuted under the law, regardless of how they got into the sex trade.

Advocates have been pushing for a ban for more than a decade. Last year, Ige vetoed a similar bill after prosecutors said it would make it more difficult to catch the perpetrators.

"Victims who come forward will have more protections, more ability to be protected from being forced to testify," said Kathryn Xian, executive director of Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery, who has been pushing the bill for a decade. "Sometimes it's very dangerous. ".

Ige also signed a bill that provides funds for law enforcement agencies to test untested sex assault evidence kits. The Honolulu Police Department had about 1,500 rape kits that had not been tested earlier this year.

With the passage of the bill, victims of sex assault will see that "their experiences matter, that they should be treated with dignity and respect, and that's something that's reflected in the law, that they can't be put on a shelf to collect dust," said Cathy Betts, executive director of the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women.