StarBulletin.com

Body found at trail ID'd as Pearl City woman, 64


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POSTED: Friday, May 22, 2009

The body found along a stream bed at Waimano trail last week was that of 64-year-old Gail Yoshida of Pearl City, the Honolulu Medical Examiner's office confirmed yesterday.

The cause of death was deferred pending further review.

Yoshida's body was found in a ravine about five miles along Waimano trail at about 3 p.m. May 13, after her dog was found by her sister, Sharon Tamaru.

Yoshida had been missing since May 3, when she left with her dog, Maile, on a walk.

Two weeks prior to her disappearance, she had difficulty finding her way out from Waimano trail but had managed to get out, her husband told family members.

On May 13, Tamaru was with her husband, Eddie, having lunch and resting near the beginning of the trail when she saw the dog, said Yoshida's niece Lisa Kimura.

Tamaru tried to determine where the dog had been, and found a security guard who said the dog came out of the ridge trail.

Family members called police and a search was renewed.

Kimura said the area had been searched previously.

“;I guess we'll never know why we missed her and how we missed her, but we did,”; Kimura said.

She said authorities told the family that the area where the body was found was confusing, and it would be difficult for someone to figure a way out. A fire official said the area had thick foliage.

She said family members wanted to thank the police and fire officials, along with volunteers, for helping in the search.

“;We're just so appreciative about the outpouring of support from the community,”; she said.