Search to resume on Big Island for missing opihi picker
The Hawaii County Fire Department’s search for a missing opihi picker will resume at first light tomorrow.
Fire officials said today’s search yielded no results nor any signs of the 41-year-old Big Island man who was reported missing Tuesday while picking opihi along King’s Landing shoreline in Waiakea.
Big Island police identified the missing man as Joseph Pacheco Jr. of Hilo and have opened a missing person case.
Big Island firefighters searched the shoreline by foot, helicopter and boat. Rescue divers also searched the area and moved south as conditions allowed.
Family members found the man’s backpack and dog about one mile south of Shipman Estates Beach after he failed to return home. Pacheco left to pick opihi around 6:30 a.m. and was supposed return home around 4:30 p.m.
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
He was reported missing at 6:51 p.m.