Benjamin Rapoza, known as Benny, disappeared from a shoreline residence in Hilo, Hawaii, on December 20, 2019 — his sixth birthday. He was last seen about 3:00 p.m. while his family visited a home on Kalanianaole Street. Benjamin is on the autism spectrum, non-verbal, and was wearing only a diaper when he wandered away. The house sat very close to the ocean and high surf warnings were in effect, a factor that alarmed relatives and searchers because Benjamin was known to be fascinated by water.

A large multi-agency search followed, involving the Hawaii Police and Fire Departments, the U.S. Coast Guard, and personnel from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, plus scores of community volunteers who searched by land, sea and air. Divers examined the turbulent coastal waters and teams combed nearby dense terrain, but no clues were found. After several days officials suspended the large-scale search while the investigation remained open. Attempts to draw attention to the case included national media coverage; authorities also had to refute misinformation such as a viral video falsely claiming to show Benjamin.

Benjamin’s family and community have continued to pursue leads and keep the case alive. Does anyone who lived in Keaukaha at the time or who joined the searches remember anything that could help investigators?