HPD Seeks Public Help Finding 2 Runaway Puna Teens

Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in locating two Puna teens who were reported as runaways in separate incidents.

Sixteen-year-old Shayla Smith-Akiona of Kea‘au was last seen on the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, in the Hawaiian Paradise Park area wearing blue jeans, a black/white hoodie, blue shoes, and carrying a blue backpack.

She is described as having a medium build, 5 feet 5 inches tall, 117 pounds, with long straight black hair and brown eyes. Smith–Akiona has a tattoo of a flower on her left ankle.

Fifteen-year-old Moanikeala Liwai was also last seen on Sunday, Feb. 27, in the Hawaiian Paradise Park area wearing blue jeans, a dark-colored hoodie, and white shoes.

Liwai is described as 5 feet 8 inches, 120 pounds, black hair with purple highlights and brown eyes. She also has a “Hello Kitty” tattoo on her left ankle and a septum-style nose piercing.

Hawaiʻi police ask anyone who may have information about the whereabouts of either girl to call the police department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311 or contact Officer Derek Toloumu of Puna Patrol at 808-965-2716.