Missing fisherman sought by police

The search is on for a second day today for a missing fisherman who was the subject of a wanted bulletin last week by police and possibly a woman companion.

According to a written Fire Department statement, 17 fire units, including both county helicopters, plus a Coast Guard helicopter and cutter searched yesterday for Derek Fasin Liu. The 52-year-old Honokaa man, wanted by police for allegedly violating terms of his release on bail for a burglary charge, is the owner of a 12-foot Zodiac-type inflatable boat towed to Kawaihae boat ramp by a fisherman who found the craft unoccupied and adrift about a mile offshore of Kohala Estates.

Police and enforcement officers from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources are also involved in the investigation, according to the statement.

The search for Liu started at about noon Sunday and was temporarily halted at 6:30 p.m. because of darkness. It was resumed at first light today.

Liu’s family reportedly told authorities he was last seen Saturday afternoon at home prior to going fishing. Witnesses reported seeing a woman aboard the boat on Saturday, as well. Her identity has not been confirmed, nor has it been verified that she is missing, according to the Fire Department.

According to a court document filed by police, Liu was arrested on Sept. 15 after an officer identified Liu from a surveillance video as one of two men who allegedly entered an Ainaloa Drive home in Puna on Aug. 7 and took items from the home.

Liu, who is free on $25,000 bail, pleaded not guilty to first-degree burglary. He is scheduled to face trial at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 6 in Hilo Circuit Court.

Police describe Liu as 5-foot-10, 165 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the police non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.