In the late afternoon of what should have been a day of celebration, a young boy vanished from a shoreline residence in Hilo, Hawaii. On December 20, 2019, his own birthday, six-year-old Benjamin Rapoza, affectionately known as 'Benny,' was last seen at approximately 3:00 p.m. while his family was visiting a home on Kalanianaole Street. Benjamin, who is on the autism spectrum and is non-verbal, was wearing only a diaper when he disappeared.
The home was located perilously close to the ocean, where high surf warnings were in effect, a detail that immediately heightened the sense of urgency for all involved, especially given that Benjamin was known to be fascinated by water.
The response to his disappearance was immediate and widespread. A massive multi-agency search effort was launched, bringing together the Hawaii Police and Fire Departments, the U.S. Coast Guard, and personnel from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The community of Keaukaha and beyond rallied together, with scores of volunteers joining the official search parties. They combed the land and sea, with divers exploring the turbulent coastal waters and others searching the dense nearby terrain. Despite the exhaustive efforts that spanned several days by air, land, and sea, the search yielded no clues as to Benjamin’s whereabouts. After several days of intense searching with no results, officials made the difficult decision to suspend the active, large-scale search, though the investigation would remain open.
In the months and years that followed, the search for Benjamin continued in the hearts and actions of his family and dedicated community members who refused to give up hope. The case garnered national attention, even being featured on a television program to bring broader awareness to his story. Authorities had to dispel misinformation along the way, including a viral video that falsely claimed to show the missing boy. The investigation into Benjamin’s disappearance continues, with detectives actively responding to any new information or tips. The case of Benjamin Rapoza is a somber and enduring mystery; a young, vulnerable boy who wandered away on his birthday from a place of seeming safety. The proximity to the dangerous surf, his non-verbal nature, and the lack of any physical evidence have left his loved ones and the community with a painful void of unanswered questions. His disappearance remains an open and active missing person case.Last Seen: Dec 20, 2019
