HONOLULU (KHON2) — The legal guardians of a 10-year-old girl found dead at a Wahiawa home in January have been arrested Friday morning by police in connection with her death.
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According to Honolulu police, Thomas and Brandy Blas became Geanna Bradley’s legal guardians eight years ago. HPD is investigating when exactly the alleged abuse started. Lawmakers are questioning whether Child Welfare Services followed protocols.
“Child Welfare Services is supposed to do visits once a month for foster children so the question is was a visit done,” asked Rep. Lisa Marten, (D) House Committee on Human Services Chair. “I don’t know. If so, were all the signs not noticed if she was emaciated?”
KHON2 asked the Department of Human Services if there have been any checks to the Blas’.
In a statement DHS said:
“ Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §350-1.4, CWS is statutorily prohibited from confirming or denying any reports of a case or child in the child welfare system, subject to some limited exceptions. Hawaii Administrative Rules §17-1601-6(16)(D) is an exception which permits CWS to report regarding the death of a child that has been confirmed by the Medical Examiner to be a result of abuse or neglect. As reported by HPD, the Medical Examiner has recently determined that the death of a 10 year-old female child was a homicide resulting from child abuse or neglect. CWS can confirm that the recent report of abuse or neglect in this home is the first of its kind received as to these caregivers. Additionally, CWS has not had any reports of abuse or neglect, or involvement in any investigation regarding this child, since this child was placed with this family under legal guardianship until the January 18, 2024, response to the home by HPD. “