By Karishma Patel

House Bill 2448 (HB 2448) represents an important step forward for Hawaii in strengthening the state’s protections to safeguard girls from gender-based violence, such as FGM/C, and ensuring that survivors of this harmful practice can seek the justice that they deserve.

Introduced by Representative Linda Ichiyama, House Bill 2448 criminalizes acts of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) performed on a minor, supports survivors in pursuing civil action, and strengthens prevention measures within the state. As of February 10th, 2026, this bill has passed the Hawaiian Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) with amendments and is expected to move to the full House floor before it can cross over to the Senate.

If enacted, Section 707 of the bill would define “prohibited acts related to FGM/C” to include intentionally or knowingly performing FGM/C on a minor, as well as a parent/guardian consenting to or aiding in the facilitation of FGM/C of a minor, including removing, or helping remove, a minor for FGM/C. Additionally, HB 2448 prohibits defendants from using custom, ritual, or religious practice or a parent/guardian’s consent as a defense to prosecution. The bill also ensures survivors can pursue civil remedies by affirming that they may “bring an action for damages for a violation of section 707”. Overall, these measures reinforce Hawaii’s commitment to ending FGM/C and protecting survivors.

In a testimony submitted to the JHA committee in support of HB 2448, Llasmin Chaine, Executive Director of the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, highlighted that the bill’s “dual approach” of holding perpetrators accountable and empowering survivors to seek justice is essential for advancing protections for women and girls in the state of Hawaii. Chaine also emphasized that HB 2448 “sends a strong message that FGM/C will not be allowed in Hawaii.”

To learn more about the need for a bill addressing FGM/C in Hawaii, click here.