Big Island police are asking for the public's help in locating a 29-year-old Pahoa man who was reported missing yesterday.

Steven Stoesser was being treated for an undisclosed illness at Hilo Medical Center. Just after midnight Tuesday, a nurse discovered him missing from his room. Hospital staff and security personnel searched but were unable to find him.

Police conducted a check of the surrounding area and at his home but were unable to locate him.

Stoesser left the hospital without being medically discharged and requires additional treatment for his condition.

He is described as Caucasian, 5-foot-10, 140 pounds with blond, wavy medium-length hair and hazel eyes. He was possibly wearing a hospital gown and jacket. He has tattoos of the Hawaiian Island chain on his right forearm, one with an American Indian bird design on his upper left arm, one of a spider web on his left elbow, and one of an arrow band on his left forearm.

Police ask anyone with information on his whereabouts to call the Hawaii Police Department's non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 239-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.