Hannah Kobayashi, the woman from Hawaii who went missing last month, has issued a statement following her recent return to the United States from Mexico. Kobayashi, 30, was reported missing after she missed her connecting flight from Los Angeles to New York shortly after arriving from Hawaii. After weeks of concern and search efforts, she was located in Tijuana, where she voluntarily crossed the border.
In a message sent from her aunt’s phone, Kobayashi shared that she re-entered the U.S. on December 15th and is now focusing on her recovery and creative pursuits. She expressed gratitude for the kindness shown to her by family and supporters throughout her ordeal. “I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away,” she stated, and asked for privacy as she navigates this difficult period in her life.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the closure of the missing person case after being notified by Customs and Border Protection that she was back in the U.S. and in good health. Initially reported missing on November 11, LAPD designated her case as voluntary after confirming that she had willingly crossed the border.
Authorities previously stated that there was no evidence to suggest Kobayashi was a victim of trafficking or foul play. In a prior press conference, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell mentioned that Kobayashi had left her phone behind and had shown an interest in disconnecting from modern technology.
In light of her safe return, her family announced plans to refund donations collected for her search through a GoFundMe campaign.
This situation inspires hope, illustrating the importance of community support and the safety of individuals who seek personal paths away from societal pressures. Kobayashi’s story highlights not only the challenges faced by those searching for peace and healing but also the necessity for understanding and compassion during such difficult times.