The search for a 6-year-old Hawaii girl, Isabella Kalua, has been suspended, according to police.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Isabella “Ariel” Kalua was reported missing on September 12 by her family, according to Interim Police Chief Rade Vanic. She was last seen when her adoptive parents put her bed at around 9 p.m., in their Waimanalo home, Hawaii News Now reports.
An AMBER Alert has not been issued in the case because police say the case doesn’t meet the qualifications.
According to police, some family members are not cooperating in the investigation. Police also confirmed that a backpack found in a canal during Thursday’s search is connected to the case.
“We have conducted numerous interviews; however, there are still individuals, to include acquaintances and family members, who have yet to come forward to be interviewed,” Criminal Investigations Division Lt. Deena Thoemmes said.
Fox News reports that although authorities have suspended the search, the investigation remains open. Family spokesperson William Harrison said it wasn’t unusual for Isabella to leave the house at night and sleep in the yard.
Isabella’s adoptive parents, Isaac K. Kalua III and Lehua Kalua, said they felt that Isabella may have been abducted after wandering off.
A family member reportedly said that Ariel and her three siblings were recently adopted after Child Protective Services took them away from their biological parents. A witness reportedly said that a photo album with photos of the girl inside was found at the dump. The album, found by a searcher, was turned over to the police.
Further, Child Welfare Services has been to the Kalua home twice over accusations of serious injuries, Hawaii News Now reports. The first visit happened in 2019 after Isabella had a broken finger. Her family said her finger was accidentally slammed with a door.
The second incident happened in 2020 when Isabella broke her leg. Her adoptive parents reportedly said it happened while the child jumped on a trampoline.
Court records indicate that Isaac K. Kalua III has a criminal past of assault and making terroristic threats. He was previously sentenced to five years on probation.
“It’s a violation of the Department of Human Services’ foster home parent’s guidelines,” attorney Randall Rosenberg said.
In June, Isabella’s parents withdrew her from public school and reportedly started homeschooling her.
“There’s virtually nothing that you have to do to warrant your application for homeschooling to be approved,” child abuse investigator Steve Lane said. “Nor is there any supervision provided for children once they are placed in home school.”
Ariel stands 3-feet-3-inches tall and weighs around 46 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black leggings, colorful socks, and Nike slider sandals with pink bottoms.
Police said at this point there is no evidence to suggest that Ariel has been abducted.
Anyone with any information concerning the case should contact call CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300.
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[Featured Photo: Ariel Kalua/Police Handout]
