Group Warns Prostitution Boom Will Follow APEC in Hawaii

A group that saves prostitutes from sex trafficking fears women working the street could double during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. It said evidence is already out there. "Especially in Waikiki, what we've been seeing is a lot of new trafficked girls coming in that we have not previously identified before. And a lot of new pimp traffickers are in town," said Kathryn Xian of Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery. But a leader of the hotel industry thinks a heavy law enforcement presence will help, especially since the Secret Service will be housed in Waikiki. "My view is still, it's just not a wise time," said Keith Vieira of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. "Why prostitutes and people that lead them would want to do that? It just doesn't make sense for one week of business." Unfortunately, the image from recent APEC meetings in Thailand and Australia fuel the notion sex traders will come out in force.