Lehua Kalua and Isaac Kalua of Waimanalo are both charged with second- degree murder in connection with the disappearance of Isabella Kalua.

Investigators learned Isabella,6 was kept in a dog cage at night with duct tape on her mouth and nose before she died.Isabella was reportedly denied food,a fundamental             and human right.

State of Hawaii Child Welfare Services (CWS) records indicate that Isabella and her older sister began residing with Lehua and Isaac in February 2019. Records also show that the Kaluas adopted Isabella( birth name Ariel Sellers) and her two biological siblings early this year; they are also the foster parents to another biological sibling who was born in 2020.

Isaac Kalua was convicted 20 years ago on three counts of terroristic threatening and assault. He was sentenced to 5 years probation Hawaii News Now reported. 

To become a adoptive parent in Hawaii individuals must pass the required background checks, clearances and complete preservice training and undergo an adoption home study.

An inadequate background screening of the Kaluas contributed to a young girl being tortured and murdered. 

Missing Lost and Trafficked is petitioning the state of Hawaii to ensure prospective adoptive parents background checks are reviewed by a judge before a child is officially adopted. Psychological evaluations are also highly recommended for prospective  adoptive parents in the state of Hawaii.