Hawai'i Island law enforcement officials are escalating their outreach to the public in the quest for any trace of Shanice Ogata-Staudinger, the Pāhoa woman whose disappearance has left a void since July 2023. Ogata-Staudinger, recognized by her distinctive dollar sign tattoo on her left cheek, was last seen picking opihi, a traditional Hawaiian delicacy, before she vanished near Kahakai Boulevard and Papio Street—a locale known to locals as "Hau Bush."
While harvesting with a relative on July 9, Ogata-Staudinger became separated, and despite plans to reunite later that day, she never reappeared. According to the Hawaii Police Department, she stands at 5 feet 2 inches, has a medium build and is noted for her brown hair and hazel eyes. Family members are deeply troubled over her unexplained absence and her silence since that day.
Reportedly, an exhaustive search was launched in the aftermath of her disappearance, entailing the deployment of scent-discriminating canines, aerial sweeps by the Hawai‘i Fire Department's helicopter, and assistance from the United States Coast Guard. Despite these comprehensive efforts, no significant leads have emerged on Ogata-Staudinger's whereabouts.
Hawai‘i Police Department’s Detective Sybastian Keltner, alongside other law enforcement officers, has canvassed acquaintances, friends, and family of Ogata-Staudinger for leads. Tips have been pursued, with interviews conducted exhaustively, yet they've led to inconclusive results. Police encourage anyone with potentially relevant information to reach out to Detective Keltner directly at (808) 961-2378 or via email at [email protected], or contact the department's non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
