The discovery yesterday of Morishima's mesh bag containing two takenoko or bamboo shoots by a relative prompted the Honolulu Fire Department to extend its search today for a fourth day.

Three fire rescue specialists were taken by helicopter at 9 a.m. today to a ridgeline about 1,700 feet above the staging area on Nu'uanu Pali Road. The trio rappelled into a ravine and planned to search as they hiked out, Fire Department spokesman Capt. Richard Soo said.

Today's operation, which only included fire rescue personnel, was expected to last until 12:30 p.m. If nothing is found, the search will be suspended today. Family members and volunteers from the Hawaiian Trails and Mountain Club plan to continue searching even if HFD suspends its efforts.

"No matter what, I know they tried a whole lot and we're grateful for that," the missing man's son, 52-year-old Arnold Morishima, said before today's search started. "I can't give up hope. I just want to find him because I love my father.

"The first day (Sunday) was the hardest," he added. "Each day since is another day, hour and minute that lessens his chances."

Volunteer Mabel Kekina of the Hawaiian Trails and Mountain Club, who has been involved in the search since Monday, said, "finding those Danish hikers who had been missing for eight days shows that you can't assume the worst."

However, Kekina said there some mystery surrounding Morishima's hike.

The area where his bag was discovered is away from the bamboo forests and stream area where he could also collect black edible fungus from trees. Morishima appeared to be on an unmarked pig hunter's trail where uluhe or false staghorn fern is waist high.

"The mystery is this," Kekina said. "I'm kind of thinking why is he high on the ridge. He has no reason to be there if he's looking for bamboo shoots and pepeiao (black tree fungus). They are on the lower side of the valley. It would make more sense if he stayed along the stream around Jackass Ginger."

Kekina theorizes that Morishima either suffered a stroke and became disoriented or that he lost the mesh bag and went back to look for it.

Family also told Kekina that Morishima was carrying $150 cash. No foul play is suspected in his disappearance but Kekina said it's highly unusual for hikers to carry cash. "But we've been told he was a stubborn guy," she said.

Morishima is a retired construction superintendent who was born in Olowao Camp in Maui. He and his wife, Patricia, live in 'Aiea.

Morishima is an active outdoorsman who enjoys diving and playing softball. He quit playing softball when he had to have a metal plate inserted in his jaw due to an injury, his son Arnold said.