Hawaiʻi Police Department
Juvenile Aid Section, Area I
Lieutenant Lucille Melemai
Phone: 961-2254
Report No. C12007158
Media Release (update)
Big Island police have initiated a custodial interference case in connection with a 9-year-old boy who was taken in by a Puna family overnight after the child ran away from home Wednesday afternoon.
“We want to public to understand that it is not OK to keep a lost child overnight before calling police,” said Assistant Chief Henry Tavares. “The proper response is to call 9-1-1 as soon as possible after you find a child who is lost or wandering alone without adult supervision.”
Police urge parents to keep a current photo of their children, along with other important details—such as physical description and medical history—that will help police if a child goes missing.
Members of the public are also encouraged to sign up for Nixle alerts, which will allow them to receive email or text messages from the Police Department. To find out more about Nixle alerts, go to the Police Department’s website at www.hawaiipolice.com and click on “Sign up for email and text alerts.”