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UNDERSTANDING CONSENT:
What is the age of consent in Hawai‘i?
The age of consent is 16 years old. At this age, a person may legally consent to sexual activity with another person who has also reached the age of consent.
Hawai‘i law has an age gap provision that intends to avoid penalizing sexual activity among certain teens. Persons at least fourteen years old and less than sixteen years old can consent to sexual activity with a person who is less than 60 months (five years) older.
Persons under the age of fourteen cannot consent to sexual activity under any circumstances.
HOW TO [ r e s p e c t ]™ THE LINE
- Checking in Ask the other person what's on their mind.
Actively listen to what they have to say. Show them that their thoughts and boundaries matter to you. - Non-verbal communication Be aware of the other person’s body language.
Facial expressions, hand gestures, and other body movements may suggest that the person is not comfortable with the current sexual activity. - Respect a “No”.
Honoring a person’s decision when they say “no” to any form of sexual activity and at any point during sexual activity. - Engage in open communication.
Ask others what's on their mind. Actively listen to what they have to say. Show others their thoughts and beliefs matter to you. - Pay attention to body language.
People don't always express themselves with words. Their bodies' may be saying a lot without the person saying anything at all. If someone you are with seems distracted or distant, ask if he/she is ok. - Value and accept differences of opinion.
You may not always agree with others, but you can acknowledge their choices and beliefs without making them feel bad or guilty, or pressuring them to change their mind. - Imagine what it is like in someone else’s shoes.
Instead of judging, try to understand someone else’s feelings as if they were your own. Having empathy and compassion for others are ways to show [respect]. - There is no respect in bullying.
Put-downs and intimidation are painful and can have long-lasting effects on people’s lives. Respect is earned by being kind to others, not making them fear you.
