Family won't quit search for hiker, 78

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

Family and friends of missing hiker George Morishima believe he is alive and say they will continue looking for him until they get word from his wife to end the search.

Morishima, 78, has been missing since Sunday, when he drove to Nu'uanu Valley to gather bamboo shoots, tree fungus and fern roots. Fire and police rescue crews have searched for the 'Aiea resident from the air and on the ground since Sunday night, but called off the operation Thursday.

Yesterday, about 15 family members and 45 volunteers returned to the Judd Trail along Nu'uanu Pali Road. For several hours they were joined by the Fire Department's Air One helicopter and a rescue crew.

But despite their efforts and consultation with psychics, no sign of Morishima was found.

Gary Morishima said he was confident his father would be found alive. The search will resume this morning. "My feeling is he's still up there. He's still alive and we're going to find him. It's a matter of when," he said.

He said he and his brothers would continue their search until their mother called it off.

"As far as the boys are concerned, we're gonna still come until my mom tells us or dictates it — we'll decide then."

He thanked the fire and police departments yesterday for their efforts and said he appreciated the work of dozens of volunteers.

George Morishima was last seen at 5:45 p.m. Sunday by two hikers who camped overnight on Judd Trail. They told searchers Morishima appeared to be in good health and had said he might take a shortcut back to his car.

The car was found parked Sunday at the trail entrance.