Hawaii Woman Missing After Missed Flight in Los Angeles Family Seeks Public Help

The family of 31-year-old Hannah Kobayashi, a Hawaii woman who disappeared after missing a connecting flight at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), is urgently seeking answers as the search for her enters its second week. Kobayashi, last heard from on November 11, was traveling from Maui to New York City when she missed her connecting flight in Los Angeles on November 8. Since then, sporadic sightings and concerning text messages have heightened fears for her safety.

Timeline of Events Leading to Disappearance

Kobayashi was last seen on security footage leaving LAX on November 8, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, tie-dye leggings, and a dark green backpack. Over the next few days, she was spotted at The Grove shopping center, roughly 10 miles from the airport. On November 9, employees at a bookstore in the center recognized her, and the following day, she attended a Nike event at the same location, even posting a photo from the event on Instagram.

However, troubling messages began arriving from Kobayashi’s phone on November 11. Her family described these messages as uncharacteristic, with claims that she felt unsafe, someone was trying to steal her identity, and her funds were being targeted. These messages raised alarm as they did not align with her usual manner of speaking.

Later that day, Kobayashi returned to LAX but did not board a flight. Her phone, which features an Audrey Hepburn case, last pinged at the airport but has since gone silent.

Concerning Surveillance Footage

The family’s search efforts uncovered surveillance footage of Kobayashi near the Pico Metro station close to Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. The footage reportedly shows Kobayashi in poor condition and accompanied by someone else. However, the exact timing of this footage has not been disclosed due to the ongoing investigation.

The family has urged searchers to focus on the area around Crypto.com Arena and remain alert while traveling on the Los Angeles Metro system.

Family’s Plea and Search Efforts

Kobayashi’s family has flown to Los Angeles to aid in the search, concentrating on areas near LAX, bus lines, and the C and K-Line Metro trains. They have also launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the escalating costs of their efforts.

Larie Pidgeon, Kobayashi’s aunt, expressed growing concern over the timeline of her disappearance, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “It’s been seven days, but in dog years,” Pidgeon said. “With trafficking, with kidnapping, that could be like three months.”

Call for Vigilance

Authorities and the family are calling on the public for any information that could lead to Kobayashi’s whereabouts. They ask anyone who may have seen her or has relevant information to come forward immediately.

Kobayashi is described as 5’10”, weighing approximately 140 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes, and fair skin with freckles. Her disappearance has gripped the community and underscored the critical need for vigilance in missing person cases.

If you have information about Kobayashi’s location, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department or submit a tip through the family’s search efforts. Time is of the essence to bring her home safely.