HONOLULU (AP) — Friends and family of a missing Honolulu teenager say they will continue searching for the boy in the second week since his disappearance.
Noah Montemayor, 16, was last seen going to bed at home last Tuesday. Police say he was reported missing the next morning.
Honolulu Police Department missing persons detective Mike Garcia said Monday that tips have been coming in every day and nothing has been ruled out yet.
Some people posting on a Facebook group about the teen’s disappearance expressed doubt that he is still alive, but Montemayor’s cousin Matthew Alfelor said he disagrees.
“I still think he’s alive. I still feel hopeful,” said Alfelor.
He said the search has been hard on Montemayor’s parents, Michelle and Andrew.
“The last week has really taken its toll,” explained Alfelor.
On the same day he went missing, the teen’s bag and some belongings, including his cell phone, were found on the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. Police searched the area with dogs for two days, but found nothing.
The police also asked lifeguards and firefighters to search the ocean.
The Coast Guard joined the search Thursday night and deployed a helicopter and three vessels on Saturday.
The search continued that afternoon, with more than 100 people joining an organized search at Magic Island. Several were volunteers from the Punahou School, where Montemayor is a junior. They posted fliers with the teen’s photo across the island.
Montemayor’s parents suspect academic pressure may have caused him to go into hiding, according to Elise Johnson, a private investigator hired by the family.
Noah Montemayor is a quiet person who enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, according to Alfelor.
On Saturday, the teen’s mother said she was overwhelmed by the people and agencies helping search for her son.
“No matter what he’s done, I love him,” added Michelle Montemayor. “Come home.”
