Search Intensifies for Missing Hawaii Woman: Family Remains Hopeful
Hannah Kobayashi, a 31-year-old aspiring photographer from Hawaii, has been missing since November 11, when she failed to board her connecting flight in Los Angeles on her way to New York. Her sister, Sydni Kobayashi, holds on to hope, believing that her sister is still alive.
In a troubling twist, Hannah sent a series of alarming text messages before her phone was turned off. She implied she had been deceived and mentioned giving away her funds for someone she thought she loved. Sydni described the messages as "not like her," asserting that this behavior is completely out of character for Hannah, whom she knows very well. “This is absolutely not like her,” she said.
The situation has taken a much darker turn, with police investigating two separate Venmo payments linked to potential Tarot reading services. News of these payments has raised concerns among Hannah’s loved ones. “We have informed the police, and they are looking into it,” said Larie Pidgeon, Hannah’s aunt.
Sydni called the entire situation “bizarre,” emphasizing that Hannah would never intentionally harm her family’s wellbeing. Since filing a missing person’s report, the Kobayashi family has traveled to Los Angeles to assist with the search.
Initially, the family felt kept in the dark, as they went ten days without substantial updates from detectives. However, communication has improved, and they have been receiving regular information about the investigation. Sydni revealed that they have received insights that suggest Hannah might still be alive, yet they must handle such information with caution. “We are getting thousands of tips, and we have to be careful about what we release,” she said.
Tragedy has struck the Kobayashi family during this trying time, culminating in the loss of their father, Ryan Kobayashi. Ryan, 58, reportedly took his own life while searching for Hannah days after she was reported missing. Sydni described her father as a “loving, caring, kind-hearted individual who fought until his last breath” for his daughter.
In light of their heartbreaking circumstances, Sydni has requested kindness and understanding from the public. “Imagine if it was your loved one,” she pleaded. The family remains committed to finding Hannah and urges anyone with information to come forward.
