Curtis Tarasawa was 28 when he left his home in ʻEwa Villages, Hawaii, for a walk on October 22, 1988, and never returned. He had a mental health condition that required medication. That day he wore a white t-shirt, gray shorts, and blue rubber slippers. His family had deep roots in the community; Curtis was the son of a long-time local sugar mill employee.

Searches by police and community volunteers followed, with flyers circulated and areas around ʻEwa Villages and nearby Pearl City checked. A reportedly credible sighting came in on October 26, 1988, in the Pearl City area, but that lead was never verified and no substantial leads developed. Media coverage at the time was limited, and the active search eventually wound down, leaving the family without answers.

Anyone who knew Curtis, saw him around late October 1988, or has information about his whereabouts is asked to come forward.