Police scour Windward for Watanabe

Tips led police to various Windward Oahu locations yesterday in their search for a missing 21-year-old Japanese woman, who is believed to have been murdered.

"We're searching and praying and hoping we can find Masumi and bring her home," said police missing persons investigator Phil Camero.

Masumi Watanabe disappeared April 12 after taking a walk from the home of her host family in Pupukea, drawing Japanese and local media attention.

Police Specialized Services Division personnel, a K-9 unit and a helicopter crew explored leads in Windward Oahu, including Maunawili, and Waiahole Valley, and around upper Nuuanu Pali Drive, but nothing was found. Department of Land and Natural Resources staffers helped. They began early yesterday and concluded about 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, murder suspect Kirk Lankford is scheduled for a preliminary hearing today in Honolulu District Court. Bail was set at $1 million.