Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL HomeNorth Shore Vigil For Masumi Watanabe

North Shore Vigil For Masumi Watanabe

By: Walter Mauaula

(KHNL) - A vigil held on Oahu's north shore tonight was in honor of a japanese visitor who vanished more than a month ago.

Masumi Watanabe was taking her daily walk in Pupukea, when she disappeared.

Watanabe's body was never found, but family and friends want to ensure her memory will never be forgotten. More than 50 neighbors and friends reflected on the time they spent with her, and how she should be remembered. They lit candles and prayed,before heading down to the ocean where they tossed dozens of flowers into the water. They also continue to hold out hope, that Watanabe may one day be found.

Karen Stokely of Pupukea says, "Basically, you know we are coming together as a community we have members from the school district people from the community people from sunset beach and all of our children to say a prayer for her because she is still missing."

Lesly Cameron is also a friend. She says, "She's very shy but she seemed very happy when she met people she was very gracious. I think she would want people to just go on with their lives and live to the fullest. Because everyday you never know whats gonna happen."

David Cameron says, "Apparently the person that they have as a suspect he hasn't admitted anything if anything it gives many be some hope that she is still alive and that's all we can hope for."

Friends remember Watanabe as someone who enjoyed sketching and loved animals.

Watanabe's friends on the north shore say, her disappearance affects every family who lives in the "tight-knit" community.