Family of “Charli” Clears Air on Police and Ex-Boyfriend

Carly “Charli” Scott.

By Wendy Osher

The family of 27-year-old Carly “Charli” Joann Scott, a pregnant Makawao woman who was last seen on Feb. 9, issued a statement this morning to clear up misconceptions that they are displeased with efforts of the Maui Police Department.

“They are working hard, long hours and sacrificing time with their own families to assist our family in this difficult time. For that, we are deeply grateful. We are asking the Maui community to join us in our support of the police and their efforts,” family members said in the statement.

The statement went on to say, “We have complete faith in our police and know that they will call upon whatever law enforcement resources they need to find our Charli. The police have treated our family with kindness and dignity every step of the way and kept us apprised of case developments as appropriate. Our community is lucky to have them looking after us.”

The statement comes on the heels of heated discussion between community members and police at a Kīhei Community Association meeting held on Wednesday night. While the meeting was intended to cover a broad range of community issues, much of the discussion focused on the disappearance of “Charli” Scott and 46-year-old Moreira “Mo” Monsalve.

Scott was last known to have left the Haʻikū area on Sunday night, Feb. 9, to assist her ex-boyfriend, who family members say asked for help in getting his car pulled out of an area near mile marker 20 of the Hāna Highway.

Family members also said they wanted to clear the air about Charli’s ex-boyfriend, Steven Capobianco who was identified by police as a person of interest because he was one of the last people to see Charli before her disappearance.

“The family is aware that Steven has met with Maui police and has been fully cooperative in their investigation. We want to express our gratitude for Steven for his continued cooperation,” the statement said.

“We also want to discourage the community from harming, threatening, or unfairly judging Steven. This is a difficult time for him as well, and he also deserves the compassion of the community. His continued cooperation may be the key to solving this mystery and any mistreatment of Steven is counterproductive to our shared goal of getting to the truth,” family members said in the statement.

Family members also updated information regarding a 96-hour cash reward being offered.  The $10,000 private reward is for information leading to the direct whereabouts of Charli, and is now effective from Thursday, Feb. 20 from 12 midnight, ending Monday, Feb. 24 at 12 midnight.

Callers can remain anonymous by calling the non-profit Maui Crime Stoppers office at (808) 242-6966; or contact the Maui Police Department Tip Hotline at (808) 244-6400 Ext 0.

The family plans to conduct its next search party this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 22 and 23, and are asking for the help of volunteers over the age of 15. The group will be meeting at the Haʻikū Community Center at 8:30 a.m. on both days.

Family members are asking that any possible evidence discovered by volunteers to be left in place and the scene preserved. Volunteers coming across such items should call police for proper evidence retrieval and investigation.

The family of Charli Scott also extended their thanks to the people of Maui and beyond, for their support “during this time of fear and uncertainty.”

Family members said the thoughts and prayers of those in the community are felt and greatly appreciated.

“We want to encourage the public to keep talking, calling in tips, and forming search parties. We don’t want Charli’s disappearance fading into history unsolved,” the statement said.