The pictures and profiles of some missing Hawai'i children will be posted on a digital cable television channel, officials said yesterday, the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at reuniting missing kids with their families.

On hand for the announcement was Tip Gilbert, father of Maile Gilbert, the 6-year-old Kailua girl who was abducted from her home and murdered in 1985. The state's Maile Amber alert system to notify the media and the public about missing children was named after her.

"Losing a child is the hardest thing anyone has to go through," Gilbert said. "When Maile was missing, there were no words, there was nothing we could do. The parents that don't have closure, that do not have their children back, it doesn't get any better."

More than 3,000 children are reported missing in Hawai'i every year, Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said, but police and state agencies are able to reunite the majority of them with their families. Yesterday, he announced the digital cable postings and signed a proclamation making tomorrow Missing Children in Hawai'i Day.

In addition to the efforts of all four county police departments, the state has several Web sites and programs dedicated to providing the public with information about missing children.

"We recognize the plight of missing children and their families and renew our efforts to secure their safe return," Aiona said.

On Oceanic Time Warner channel 110, viewers will be able to select an option that allows them to view digital photos of missing children at no charge.

The viewer will have access to a photo, description and a law enforcement contact for the missing child.

Also, the state tomorrow will test the Maile Amber alert system at 11:45 a.m.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.