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Sanford Ishikawa Missing Person Case

Last seen in Honolulu, Hawaii on Apr 6, 2001

Victim Details

Jun 22, 2025

Jun 23, 2025

Sanford

Ishikawa

66

41

64 inches

140 lbs

Asian

Male

Apr 6, 2001

Honolulu

Hawaii

Honolulu County

Honolulu

No

171084

Honolulu Police Department

Honolulu

Hawaii

Honolulu County

96813

Michael Garcia

Detective

801 South Beretania Street, Hawaii

8085293111

Local

Law Enforcement

http://www.honolulupd.org

01-134038

Apr 7, 2001

Honolulu Police Department

10458

Black

Brown

Brown

Oct 18, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP146200) and 2 other sources
In the early morning hours in Honolulu, Hawaii, a father last saw his 41-year-old son, Sanford Ishikawa, at their residence. This would be the last known sighting of Sanford by his family. The exact date of this last contact is uncertain due to the passage of time and the limited information available in public records, but it is known to have occurred in early April of 2001. At the time of his disappearance, Sanford was described as an Asian male, standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 140 pounds. He had black hair and brown eyes. The circumstances leading up to his disappearance remain largely unknown, leaving his loved ones with unanswered questions.

A significant development in the case came later that same morning when Sanford's red 1979 Datsun pickup truck was discovered abandoned. The vehicle was found parked at the Lanai Lookout, a scenic and rugged spot along the Kalanianaole Highway in the Hawaii Kai area of Oahu. The lookout is known for its dramatic cliffs and powerful ocean currents. The discovery of the unattended truck at such a location raised immediate concerns for Sanford's well-being. The poignant scene of the empty vehicle against the backdrop of the vast Pacific Ocean hinted at a troubling and mysterious turn of events.

Further investigation by the Honolulu Police Department uncovered a crucial piece of information. A witness came forward, stating they had seen Sanford's vehicle at the lookout on their way to work that morning. More alarmingly, the witness reported observing a male individual jump from the cliffs into the water below. Since that day, Sanford Ishikawa has not been seen or heard from again. Despite the passage of years, his case remains a painful and unresolved mystery for his family and the community. The overview of the case points to a sudden and tragic event at the Lanai Lookout, where a man, last seen by his father hours earlier, seemingly vanished into the ocean, leaving behind only his vehicle and an unsettling witness account of a leap from the cliffs.
Last Seen: Apr 6, 2001

Links to Additional Sources (2)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Sanford Ishikawa | Missing Person | CrimeTea
  • Sanford M. Ishikawa (1959-2001): homenaje de Find... - Find a Grave

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    77%Possible
    John Doe — Honolulu, Hawaii - unidentified case UP12350
    John Doe — Honolulu, Hawaii
    UP12350 • Found Jan 30, 2014
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 55–75 vs 41 when missing
    Race 100%Asian
    Location 100%3 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 13 years after last seen
    Height 68%5'7" vs 5'4"
    Weight 83%114 lb vs 140 lb
    Hair 70%Gray vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

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    Forum Posts (2)

    Hey everyone, I was reading through Sanford Ishikawa's case again, and I can't help but wonder about... ...Read More
    04/08/2024
    Hi everyone, I've been following Sanford Ishikawa's case for a while and something struck me about... ...Read More
    11/27/2023

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