REPORT FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL – HONOLULU – First Deputy Attorney General Russell A. Suzuki, on behalf of Governor Neil Abercrombie, presented a commendation to Nuuanu Elementary School 5th grader, Celina Shoda, whose poster was awarded 3rd place in the national “Bring Our Missing Children Home” poster contest. Celina’s poster was selected from 50 entries from throughout the state to represent Hawaii on the national level.
The presentation took place during the school’s award ceremony on May 29. According to Celina, “A family is not complete without everyone and we want the missing children to return to their homes where they are the most happiest.”
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) annually sponsors a national “Bring Our Missing Children Home” poster contest to help raise awareness about missing children issues and child safety. This year, DOJ received a record-breaking 53 entries, including entries from 48 states, 4 territories (Guam, Saipan, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico), and 1 military base (Aviano Air Base, Italy). The poster contest is held in conjunction with National Missing Children’s Day, which is recognized each year on May 25th.
In Hawaii, more than 3000 children go missing or run away, each year. Many of these children have returned home safely, others have yet to be found. The families of those children who are missing are still waiting and hoping for their safe return.
The Department of the Attorney General Missing Child Center-Hawaii assists with investigations of missing children; coordinates with and assists other government and nonprofit agencies in locating and recovering missing children; assists in training law enforcement, other professionals, and the public on issues relating to missing children; and operates as a resource center for information about preventing the abduction and exploitation of children.