Unfortunately, it is fairly easy for missing teens to remain undetected, even in a small community. Even when they’ve been gone from home seven months. “I know they are out there,” said Claire Ueno, Kaua’i Police Department (KPD) juvenile counselor.
Unfortunately, it is fairly easy for missing teens to remain undetected, even in a small community.
Even when they’ve been gone from home seven months.
“I know they are out there,” said Claire Ueno, Kaua’i Police Department (KPD) juvenile counselor.
Ueno said people in the community may know the whereabouts of a missing teen, but do not alert authorities.
“Sometimes the parents or people they are staying with just don’t care enough to contact us,” she said.
KPD officials are asking for the public’s help in finding two missing teens.
According to Ueno, 17-yearold Jolene Corr has been missing since March 23, when she ran away from Family Court.
Corr is 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds, has brown hair and brown eyes, and a scar above her left eye. She is of Hawaiian descent.
James Fu, 14, was dropped off at Waimea High School on Sept. 21, and has not returned home since then, according to Ueno. Fu is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 163 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. He is of Chinese, Hawaiian and Japanese descent.
Ueno, who has been doing this 25 years, said both cases are being investigated, but there is no indication of foul play at this time in either teen’s disappearance.
She said that, on average, about 20 to 25 teens go missing each month. More than half either return or are located quickly.
Then, there are the others. “There are a handful who stay out longer. It is a concern,” Ueno said, adding the number of missing teens has increased a bit in recent years.
Ueno said Fu is most likely with his girlfriend. She is less certain about Corr.
“It can be anything from family issues to drugs, boyfriends, or just wanting to live their own lives,” she said. Ueno said it is a guarantee that these teens are not going to school. Ueno said Corr’s father calls regularly. She said the reactions of other parents vary in relation to how relatively functional that family might be. Anyone with information about Corr or Fu is urged to call KPD dispatch at 241-1711, KPD’s Investigative Services Bureau, 241-1696, or Crime Stoppers, 241-1887.
