Hawaii lawmakers are set to hear from state officials, fishing industry leaders and others about the allegations of human trafficking and poor working conditions aboard U.S. longline vessels, according to a House news release.
Three legislative committees are facilitating a public informational briefing that’s slated for 11 a.m., Wednesday, in Room 309 at the Capitol in Honolulu.
“We have a duty to do all we can to find accountability and put an end to the alleged slavery and inhumane working conditions on our docks,” said Rep. Kaniela Ing, chair of the House Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, and Hawaiian Affairs.
“I’ve been meeting with key stakeholders over the past month, who are ready to come to the table and hash out a fair solution,” he said in the release. “Our goal is to inform the public, each claim some accountability, and come up with a fair solution that will ensure the well being of workers without devastating a vital industry.”
