UPDATED (10 p.m. 6/23/10)

Rescue crews reported they found no sign of a missing opihi picker after a full day search Wednesday.

Boats and a helicopter continued the search off Kings Landing. The search stretched four miles along the coast, while scuba dive operations were conducted at the point and toward the south.

Ground crews searched the shoreline and inland from where Joseph Pacheco Jr., 41, of Hilo was reportedly picking opine Tuesday.

Pacheco’s dog and backpack were found about one mile south of Shipman Estates Beach late Tuesday.

Wednesday’s search began shortly after 6 a.m. and was suspended just before 6:30 p.m.

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE FROM POLICE DEPT (6/22/10)

Joseph Pacheco Jr.

Big Island police have initiated a missing person case in connection with a 41-year-old man who failed to return from a day of picking opihi.

Joseph Pacheco Jr. of Hilo left to pick opihi along the King’s Landing coast around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday (June 22) but failed to return home. Fire Department personnel conducted a search and located the man’s dog and backpack about one mile south of Shipman Estates Beach. The search for Pacheco was suspended at 9 p.m. Tuesday and resumed at first light Wednesday.

Police ask anyone who may see Pacheco to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers calls are kept confidential.

MEDIA RELEASE

Fire/rescue crews responded to a 6:51 p.m. alarm Tuesday (June 22) for a missing opihi picker in the King’s Landing area of Waiakea.

A 41 year-old man had gone opihi picking and was due back home at 6:30 p.m. but did not return as scheduled. A backpack and dog belonging to the missing man was found on the shoreline by family members.

Rescue crews performed a ground search in the area with Chopper One assisting. The search which was suspended at 10:15 p.m. The search is continuing Wednesday morning with a rescue boat, divers, Chopper One and ground crews.