The 2,000 'missing' kids comes from the number of kids that enrolled in schools last year and have not enrolled for the new school year. One thousand kids applied for private schools that had been in public schools last year. Many more likely lost all trust in government or holding their kids out as they put their lives back together. Some may have moved, as well.

Gateway Pundit is responsible for a factually incorrect title that went viral.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/08/2000-children-missing-lahaina-schools-two-weeks-after/

This is exactly how disinformation replaces facts.