Victim’s parents to stay until they have answers
By Gene Park, Honolulu Star-Bulletin – April 29, 2007
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Masumi Watanabe’s parents, heartbroken at the news of her possible murder, say they won’t return to Japan until they find out what happened to their daughter.
Hideichi and Fumiko Watanabe released a statement yesterday through Jessica Rich, executive director of the Visitors Aloha Society of Hawaii.
“We are devastated by this event, and we ask anyone who might know anything about this case to please call the police,” Rich said for the Watanabes.
Watanabe first visited Hawaii in September 2006, and loved it so much she returned through an informal arrangement with the Miura family in February.
She volunteered at Sunset Beach Elementary School. The Watanabes also said their daughter loved to sketch, especially dogs and animals.
The parents thanked Pupukea neighbors and residents for helping in the search for their daughter.
The parents are in regular contact with the Japanese Consulate General and the Visitors Aloha Society of Hawaii, which assists visitors who face extraordinary circumstances or tragedy during their stay in Hawaii.