Hawaii Island Police are alarmed by a significant uptick in the number of open missing persons cases this year, with suspicions of foul play in several instances.
Annually, about 150 missing persons cases are reported on Hawaii Island, and the majority of individuals are eventually located. However, a handful remain unaccounted for. As of 2021, there were still eight individuals missing, which increased to 12 by 2022. This year, the count has risen to 20 missing persons, as of Friday.
Hawaii Police Captain Rio Amon-Wilkins has highlighted six particularly concerning cases, all originating from the Puna district:
- Jarryd Lee Kalanihuli Ah Quin, 38, of Pahoa, reported missing on October 5, 2019.
- Joseph David Smithey, 55, of Mountain View, reported missing on June 29, 2021.
- Jennifer Michelle Showen, 42, of Pahoa, reported missing on July 6, 2022.
- William Romeo Bishop, Sr., 76, of Keaau, reported missing on January 23.
- Kelly Gravitt, 35, of Pahoa, reported missing on May 22.
- Shanice Ogata-Staudinger, 29, of Pahoa, reported missing on July 9.
Shanice Ogata-Staudinger’s stepfather, Timothy Wright, has expressed his anguish as her two young daughters continuously inquire about their missing mother. He hopes to provide them with answers, though Ogata-Staudinger had been involved in a domestic violence incident shortly before her disappearance in July. Wright disclosed that she had cut a man who attacked her with a baseball bat and emphasized the family’s desperate desire to locate her.
William Bishop’s family has been notably vocal about his case since his disappearance in January. Though a woman was questioned in connection with the case, no arrests have been made. His daughter-in-law, Rachel Bishop, has expressed the magnitude of the issue of missing persons on the island.
Kelly Gravitt’s father has called for “prayer and aloha” as his family seeks answers.
Hawaii Island police have clarified that they do not believe these cases are connected, implying that each disappearance is unique in its circumstances. To address the situation, they have sought assistance from the FBI for some of the cases, although specific details have not been disclosed.
The public is urged to share any information they may have, and they can do so by calling the non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311. Additionally, the Criminal Investigation Section can be reached at (808) 961-2381.