10 missing children found alive in Hawaii, police say
Published by RawNews1st
During Operation Shine a Light, multiple arrests were made in the discovery of these children, with the investigation still ongoing.
The agencies involved in the search were HPD, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, Army Criminal Investigation Division, Department of Law Enforcement Sheriff Division, Hale Kipa Statewide Trafficking Victim Assistance Program, Oʻahu First Circuit Family Court and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Operation Shine a Light began in 2020, founded by the Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Missing Children Center-Hawaii.
“I want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of every child in our community,” said Interim HPD Chief Rade Vanic. “The Honolulu Police Department stands united with our partners at the Department of Human Services and other agencies to swiftly locate and protect endangered keiki from harm. Through collaboration, vigilance and compassion, we will continue to shine a light on the vulnerabilities facing our youth and work tirelessly to ensure they are safe, supported and given the opportunity to thrive.”
In 2024, there were over 29,000 cases of children reported missing. One in seven of those children was likely involved in child sex trafficking, reported the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Authorities want to encourage anyone with information on missing children or reports of child abuse and neglect to contact their local police department or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
Here is a list to call at the Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services for hotline services:
- Child Abuse and/or Neglect: 808-832-5300 (Oʻahu).
- Child Abuse and/or Neglect: Toll-free 1-888-380-3088 (Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Lānaʻi, Kauaʻi).
- Child Trafficking: 808-832-1999 (Oʻahu).
- Child Trafficking: Toll-free 1-888-398-1188 (Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kauaʻi).
