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Missing Hawaii woman’s family responds to claims she was in a secret marriage

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Missing Hawaii woman’s family responds to claims she was in a secret marriage


The family of missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi has responded to claims that she was involved in a secret marriage scam.

Almost a month since Kobayashi went missing, police now believe she voluntarily disappeared, pointing to surveillance footage of her buying a bus ticket from Los Angeles to the Mexico border after she missed a flight to New York on November 8.

Earlier this week, a report suggested the 30-year-old may have been involved in a green card marriage “scam” before she disappeared, which was reportedly unearthed by her mother when she discovered immigration documents at her daughter’s home.

The Los Angeles Magazine reported that Kobayashi may have been scammed out of money which involved her marrying an Argentinian man, citing sources.

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The family didn’t go public with their findings because they “did not have the facts or the necessary documents” to verify the information, they said in a statement.

Hannah Kobayashi’s family has responded to the claims she was involved in a marriage scam

Hannah Kobayashi’s family has responded to the claims she was involved in a marriage scam (Sydni Kobayashi/Facebook)

“The family has not confirmed the authenticity of the images or the accuracy of the information provided about a possible secret marriage,” the statement shared by their lawyer Sara Azari said. “This is one of many leads we are actively investigating with the help of our attorney and investigative team.”

The family said they turned over any information to police immediately and urged against the spreading of “unverified claims.”

“It is especially important not to perpetuate speculation that anyone is involved in a scam, as this only hinders our efforts to find Hannah and bring clarity and closure to the nightmare we are living because of her disappearance,” the statement said.

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Police are no longer investigating Kobayashi’s case as a potential crime but it will remain open until law enforcement can confirm her safety.

The family has hired a private investigator to search for Kobayashi

The family has hired a private investigator to search for Kobayashi (midorieve/Instagram)

At a news conference on Monday, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell told reporters his department believes Kobayashi crossed into Mexico on November 12 at San Ysidro.

He cited footage of Kobayashi walking into Mexico obtained from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. His department has now declared the woman a “voluntary missing person.”

“We’ve basically done everything we can do at this point,” he said. “She’s left the country and is in another nation now.”

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Kobayashi’s family previously said they were not shown footage of their loved one entering Mexico. “We’re just as confused and just as frustrated more than anything now,” her sister Sydni Kobayashi said.

Azari said the LAPD reached their conclusion “without showing [Kobayashi’s family] any footage.”

“It takes a lot more digging and investigation to be able to say it’s voluntary,” she said.

The family has hired a private investigator to search for Kobayashi.

Mexican authorities told the outlet they’ve been alerted to the case but have not received an official request to search for the missing woman.

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Community memorial service for Kazuo Todd today in Hilo – West Hawaii Today

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Community memorial service for Kazuo Todd today in Hilo – West Hawaii Today


The funeral procession for deceased Fire Chief Kazuo Todd with pass-in-review for Hawaii Fire Department firefighters took place Saturday morning at HFD Administration in the County Building on Aupuni Street in Hilo.





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What’s Cooking: Celebrating Lunar New Year with Hawaii Dim Sum & Seafood

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What’s Cooking: Celebrating Lunar New Year with Hawaii Dim Sum & Seafood


HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A family-run Chinese restaurant in Honolulu’s Chinatown is gearing up for Lunar New Year festivities.

Hawaii Dim Sum & Seafood Restaurant owner Karen Tam and her son Kirave Liang joined HNN’s Sunrise to showcase their dim sum and Chinese specialties.

Lunar New Year specials include a special jai with 18 vegetarian ingredients and the sweet, sticky, steamed rice cake gau in brown sugar and coconut flavors, which symbolize good fortune and prosperity.

”We eat food with a lucky meaning to start the great year,” Tam said. “We have jin dui (sesame balls) every day.“

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Feb. 17 marks the start of the year of the Fire Horse, when families gather to celebrate with big meals and auspicious dishes. Hawaii Dim Sum & Seafood will offer set party menus and special orders for foods not commonly found in Honolulu, such as whole stuffed duck, braised abalone in oyster sauce, and basin meal.

“It’s the biggest fest of the year. We celebrate Chinese New Year by eating with family in a round table,“ Tam said.

Hawaii Dim Sum & Seafood also has private rooms with karaoke systems and a banquet hall to accommodate small family gatherings to large parties.

Hawaii Dim Sum & Seafood is located on 111 N. King St. and is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, There is street parking and paid parking behind the restaurant on Nimitz and Maunakea.

For more information, visit hawaiidimsumseafood.com or follow on Instagram @hawaiidimsumseafood.

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Hawaii suffers first defeat of the season against Loyola Chicago | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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Hawaii suffers first defeat of the season against Loyola Chicago | Honolulu Star-Advertiser




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