HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR020719MissingwomanfoundsafeinravineF� OF
THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
qa 4 MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: February 7, 2019
KAUA`I POLICE DEPARTMENT
MICHAEL M. CONTRADES, ACTING CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
Missing woman found safe in ravine
KALAHEO — Kaua`i police on Thursday located missing woman Emi Oka alive in a
ravine behind the homes on Kakela Makai Drive in Kalaheo.
At approximately 7:45 a.m., a resident of Kakela Makai Drive called police after hearing
what sounded like a female screaming for help from a vegetated area nearby. Officers
responded to the area and soon discovered a woman stranded in the nearby ravine.
31.
Police identified her as Emi Oka, age 40, of Kalaheo, who had been missing since Jan.
Firefighters from the Kalaheo fire station were dispatched to the scene, where they
walked into the valley and guided Oka out to safety.
No injuries were reported, but Oka displayed signs of dehydration and weight loss.
Oka was transported by medics to Wilcox Hospital for further treatment.
"We are happy and relieved that Emi Oka is safe, and has been reunited with her
family," stated Acting Chief of Police Michael Contrades. "I commend and thank all involved who
have worked tirelessly in their search efforts this past week — Det. Barry Deblake and our KPD
investigators, our Kauai Search and Rescue Volunteer Canine Team along with scent -tracking
canine King, Kauai Coffee personnel, the Kauai Fire Department, and Oka's family and friends.
We are also very grateful for our community, and those who provided information which
ultimately led to today's successful outcome."
Above photo shows the area where Emi Oka was found safe on Thursday.