VIDEO: Daughter of Missing Maui Woman Joins Search in Polipoli

By Wendy Osher

The search for a Maui woman who has been missing since Sunday, Jan. 12, was focused today in the Polipoli area of Kula on Maui.

Alexis Felicilda, the daughter of missing Moreira “Mo” Monsalve, was among those who joined in the search which included an estimated 115 people.

“We’ve been feeling all the love, support and prayers.  They got some good leads that MPD will be investigating, but we’re still going to be looking.  We’re going to search the whole island until she’s found,” said Felicilda.

“Because we had a lot of people, we covered some good ground today… but we’re still looking,” she said.

In addition to the public search, Maui police were also on scene in the same area.

Lt. William Juan issued the following statement this afternoon from the Maui Police Department:

“The Maui Police Department is investigating this case thoroughly and following every lead.  At this time I can’t go into details because the case is still ongoing.  We know the family is very concerned and we are working as hard as we can to find her.  We are conducting a search in the area along Waipoli Road in Kula as part of the investigation and utilizing available resources to assist in locating Moreira “Mo” Monsalve.” 

Among those helping with the search today included friends, family, and private search and rescue dog handlers.

“We felt like as part of the Maui community, we wanted to contribute the specialty that we had to help,” said John Parker operations officer for Maui Dog Tags K-9 Services.

“Our heart goes out to the family. Everybody here has a love and concern. When something hurts one of us, it hurts all of us. We are here to help the family and the community in any way that we possibly can to get closure on this and to get answers and provide support for the family,” said Parker.

Anyone with information that could help with the investigation is asked to call Maui Police at 244-6400.  Family and friend of Monsalve have also set up a Facebook page that is updated daily with progress and search information.