Law enforcement agencies in both Hawaii and Arizona are urging the public’s help in locating 6‑year‑old Violet, a young girl who was reported missing in what authorities describe as a custodial interference case, prompting an unprecedented statewide alert and a race against time to bring her home safely.
According to a joint investigation by the Hawai‘i Police Department and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), Violet was last seen on July 12, 2025, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport nearly 3,000 miles from her home on Hawai‘i Island in the company of her non‑custodial mother, 48‑year‑old Sarah Coultas.
Police allege that Sarah Coultas took Violet in violation of a court order related to custody arrangements, and that the pair’s unexplained travel and disappearance raised serious concerns about the child’s welfare.
In response, Arizona law enforcement activated the first‑ever “Turquoise Alert”, a newly established public notification system designed to aid in the safe recovery of missing and endangered individuals, including children, under unusual or potentially dangerous circumstances.
Turquoise Alerts are issued when authorities believe local resources have been exhausted, the situation is suspicious or unexplained, the missing person is believed to be in danger or with someone who may pose a threat, and information released to the public may assist in locating the individual.
The alert system — signed into law earlier in 2025 under “Emily’s Law” is intended to complement existing Amber Alerts and other emergency notifications, particularly in cases where a missing person does not clearly meet Amber criteria yet still faces credible risk.
Violet is described as approximately 3 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 43 pounds, with blond hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a white shirt, pink jacket, pink sweater, light‑colored shorts, and white shoes, according to the Turquoise Alert details released by authorities.
With each passing hour, authorities and family members grow increasingly anxious for Violet’s safe return. Police have issued an arrest warrant for Sarah Coultas on charges related to violating the court order, and have asked anyone with information no matter how minor it may seem to contact law enforcement immediately.
“This is a critical moment,” police officials said in a joint statement. “Given Violet’s young age and vulnerable situation, we need the community’s help. Someone, somewhere may hold the key piece of information that could help bring her home safely.” The statement emphasized that a single tip or share on social media could make a life‑saving difference.
Members of the public with information are urged to call 911 or contact the Hawai‘i Police Department’s non‑emergency line. Tips can also be submitted through local Crime Stoppers programs to remain anonymous.
As the search continues, communities across both states are amplifying the message on social platforms, urging anyone who may have seen Violet or her mother since mid‑July to come forward. In cases involving missing and endangered children, time remains of the essence, and authorities say public vigilance is paramount to finding her safe and sound.
