The Search for Daylenn Pua

For two weeks now, I have watched helicopters skim the razor-edged Koolau mountains outside of my condo. First, there was the yellow rescue helicopter of the Honolulu Fire Department. Then, the Navy's robust choppers. Finally, tiny private helicopters. Cars line the streets of the quiet neighborhood about half a mile up on our mauka (mountain) side. Hikers trickle down the road. They are all searching for Daylenn "Moke" Pua, a seventeen-year-old kid who disappeared in the mountains two long weeks ago.

Most of these people don't know Moke or his family. They are inspired, I imagine, by the desperation we all feel at the thought of a seventeen-year-old dying because of one stupid mistake. He is so young.

As tragic as the situation looks, it's inspiring to see so many people pull together for a stranger. Dozens of hikers climb the mountain every day looking for some sign of Moke. There are rappel crews and rescue dogs. The "Support for Moke Pua" facebook group chronicles the well wishes of hundreds of people all over the island who give their own time and money searching for the lost boy.

Moke's family keeps a heart-wrenching vigil at Moanalua Park, the base of the trail that Moke probably took, every day from 7am to 7pm. As a mother and a human being, my heart breaks for them. I send the choppers a little blessing every day when I see them.

There are two types of people in the world: those, like me, who believe that humanity is basically good, and those, like my husband, who believe that our natures tend more towards ignorance and selfishness. For you, the jury, I present exhibit A: the search for Daylenn Pua.

Update: for an inside look at the search, go here.

Where are you, Moke?