FBI joins search for 6-yr.-old Hawaii girl who has been missing since weekend
The desperate search for a Hawaii girl who has not been seen since the weekend is getting a boost from the FBI.
Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday joined local authorities and volunteers searching the region for Isabella “Ariel” Kalua. The 6-year-old has been missing since Sunday and her disappearance was reported by her adoptive family members the following day.
Interim Police Chief Rade Vanic said that investigators “haven’t determined or we don’t have sufficient evidence to show that the child was abducted.” He noted that’s why the department has not yet issued an Amber Alert for the child — because proof of kidnapping or foul play is required.
“We are hoping she isn’t in immediate danger,” he added.
A Department of Education representative told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that Kalua was pulled from school a week before she went missing so that her parents could educate her at home in Waimanalo.
“We are thankful for the many families and individuals who are helping to search for Isabella, especially the volunteer search captains and their teams,” Vanic said on Wednesday.
“It’s obvious that she comes from a caring family and community, and we are hopeful that we will find her soon and find her safe. At this time, we’re asking neighbors to check their yards and properties for anywhere that a young child might go to or be able to hide. If you have home security video, please check to see if there’s anything that might help us.”