LOS ANGELES, CA – The family of 31-year-old Hannah Kobayashi, a Maui woman who vanished in Los Angeles earlier this month, has uncovered new details about her last-known whereabouts but remains deeply concerned for her safety.
Kobayashi’s family confirmed Monday that they viewed surveillance footage showing her near the Pico Metro Station in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 11. In the footage, Kobayashi appears to be with another individual and does not seem well, according to her family.
“She is not safe, and she is not alone,” said her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, who has traveled from Maui to aid in the search.
Kobayashi is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes, and fair skin with freckles.
The family last communicated with Kobayashi on Nov. 10 after she missed a connecting flight at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Kobayashi had been traveling from Maui to New York City to visit family but decided to attend a LeBron James event at The Grove after missing her flight on Nov. 8.
When she returned to LAX days later, Kobayashi sent alarming messages to her family, describing fears that someone was trying to steal her money and identity. “Strange, cryptic messages – things about the matrix,” said Pidgeon. “It was so unlike her. And then all of a sudden, no more communication.”
Kobayashi’s disappearance has prompted her family to post flyers and launch a GoFundMe campaign to support search efforts. The family has also highlighted the challenges they face while canvassing downtown Los Angeles.
“Someone tried to steal my husband’s phone from his hand,” Pidgeon said. “They were screaming, and there were people smoking crack.”
Kobayashi’s father, Ryan, has expressed his anguish and hopes that she will see his message. “I miss her. Just want her to know that and just want her to reach out – anything,” he said.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that a missing person case remains open but has not released additional details.
Kobayashi’s family is urging the public to help keep her name visible. “If they can print flyers, if they can just help us do the legwork – the longer her name is out there, the more she stays relevant,” said Pidgeon.
Anyone with information about Hannah Kobayashi’s whereabouts is asked to contact Larie Pidgeon at 845-750-3006.
