Driver of crashed car missing
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
Police yesterday were trying to unravel the mysterious disappearance of a man whose 2005 Mercedes-Benz was found on a cliffside near the Makapu'u Lookout.
Kenneth J. Peters Jr., 31, was last seen leaving his workplace, JTD International in Halawa, between 7:30 to 7:40 p.m. Monday, said police spokesman Capt. Frank Fujii. At about 6:45 yesterday morning, Peters' 2005 silver Mercedes was spotted more than 50 feet down the cliff off Kalaniana'ole Highway near the lookout, Fujii said.
Peters
"The vehicle was found abandoned from an apparent crash," Fujii said. "He was nowhere to be found."
Police and fire crews searched on the ground and from the air yesterday. A police dog found a pair of shoes near the crash site, but Fujii said police initially did not know if they belonged to Peters.
The case has been classified as that of a "missing person" and police do not suspect foul play. But Fujii said it's a mystery as to what happened to Peters after his car was wrecked.
Yesterday's search was monitored by concerned family and friends of Peters.
Sky Peterson, Peters' roommate and business partner, said police have asked them not to discuss the case with the news media. But he did describe Peters as "just a very fun-loving, very caring person" and "a workaholic — he always works."
JTD International is a wholesale business that sells "cheap jewelry" in the tourist trade, Peterson said. The company's office is on Iwaena Street in Halawa.
Anyone with information is asked to call Missing Persons Detail investigator Phil Camero at 529-3394. Information also may be made confidentially by calling CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME on a cellular phone.
Reach Curtis Lum at 525-8025 or culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.
