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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 8:17 p.m., Sunday, June 29, 2008

Search for missing Kau opihi picker halted

Advertiser Staff

Big Island fire rescue specialists tonight ended a daylong search for a missing 'opihi picker at Kamilo Point in Ka'u at the family's request after divers found a bag and shredded surf shorts.

Fire Capt. Greg Kane said a second search had been done at the request of family, who asked firefighters not to continue after the shorts were found. Kane said the shoreline consists of cliff faces 30 to 40 feet high with open ocean waves that constantly crash on its shores.

The 'opihi picker was reported missing at 5:13 a.m.

The 'opihi bag was found in a grid search. Divers were dropped by helicopter, Kane said.

The stretch of coast is accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicle.