HONOLULU — Honolulu police have launched a missing persons investigation into the disappearance of Jonnaven Monalim, a former government informant whose testimony helped secure life sentences in a high-profile 2004 murder case. Monalim, 58, was last seen leaving his residence on Ae Street in Kapolei around 7:13 p.m. on Nov. 5, and has not been heard from since, prompting concerns from his family and authorities.
According to the Honolulu Police Department, Monalim's family reported him missing after he failed to make contact, which they described as highly unusual. Police have since escalated their efforts, deploying K9 units, drones, and homicide detectives to search the Pearl City industrial area on Thursday afternoon. Family attorney Michael Green told KHON2 that Monalim's girlfriend discovered his hearing aid in the area, and his phone was pinged to the same location.
Sources close to the investigation, speaking to KHON2, reported that two bullet casings and traces of blood were also found at the scene, though no body has been located. Green expressed deep concern over these findings, suggesting they point to foul play.
“You kind of think the inevitability for those things to be found, the physical evidence to be found, the blood, the hearing aid and the casings and not the body that you know, everybody’s thinking about it, but you don’t want to say it,”Green said.
Monalim's disappearance comes against a backdrop of his controversial past as a key figure in one of Hawaii's notable criminal cases. In 2004, he served as the star witness in the trial related to the Pali Golf Course shooting, where his secret recordings provided crucial evidence. Those recordings led to the convictions of Rodney Joseph Jr., a family member, and Ethan Motta, both of whom were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Green, who has represented the Monalim family, highlighted the potential risks associated with Monalim's role as an informant.
“It was a big deal, because, number one, that’s something that’s frowned upon in the west side, I’ll tell you that,”he explained.
“And these were family members, at least one was so it was, in my view, it could be a problem down the road. I mean, where, you know, people could be very patient and payback can be really awful.”
Monalim's criminal history dates back to the 1980s and extends into the early 2000s, according to police records. Despite his past, Green emphasized that Monalim had been living a quieter life in recent years, making his sudden vanishing all the more alarming.
“You know, if we haven’t heard from him by now, I’m very bothered by that,”Green added, noting that it was unlike Monalim to go without contacting his family for an extended period.
Investigators are actively pursuing leads, including DNA testing. Green revealed that police are comparing DNA from one of Monalim's sons to the blood found at the Pearl City site to determine if there's a match.
“I know there’s a team of officers, homicide guys and crew guys that are working on this, and they’ve been all over the place, searching homes and different areas and doing DNA testing, so I would think by Monday or Tuesday, if they don’t find them, it may be that they never will,”he said.
The search efforts have extended beyond the initial site, with officers reportedly canvassing homes and other areas in the vicinity. While no official confirmation has been made regarding the nature of the blood or casings, the involvement of homicide detectives underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case. Monalim is described by police as standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing about 215 pounds, with brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt, dark-colored shorts, and shoes.
This incident has stirred memories of the 2004 Pali Golf Course case, which captivated local attention due to its ties to organized crime and family betrayals on Oahu's west side. Monalim's decision to turn informant against his own relative was seen by some as a bold move, but it also placed him in a precarious position within his community. Green pointed out the cultural stigma against such actions, particularly in tight-knit areas like Kapolei and Pearl City.
As the investigation unfolds, family members and friends have expressed growing anxiety. Monalim's girlfriend, who first alerted authorities to the hearing aid discovery, has been cooperating with police, according to Green. The lack of communication from Monalim, combined with the physical evidence, has led many to fear the worst, though officials have not yet classified the case as a homicide.
Honolulu police have urged anyone with information to come forward, providing a contact number: 808-955-8300. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and authorities emphasize that even small details could prove vital. The case has drawn attention from local media, with KHON2 reporting ongoing developments as police continue their searches.
In the broader context, Monalim's disappearance highlights the long-term dangers faced by informants in high-stakes criminal cases. Legal experts note that while witness protection programs exist, not all informants qualify or choose to participate, leaving them vulnerable to retaliation years after trials conclude. Green's comments suggest that patience in seeking revenge could be a factor here, though no direct links to the 2004 case have been confirmed by police.
As days pass without word from Monalim, the community in Kapolei and surrounding areas remains on edge. Police have not released details on potential suspects, but the focus on the Pearl City industrial area indicates a targeted search based on electronic and physical evidence. Family members, through Green, have appealed for public assistance, hoping for a resolution before the trail goes cold.
Looking ahead, if DNA results confirm a connection to Monalim, the case could shift from missing persons to a full homicide investigation. Green indicated that results might be available early next week, potentially providing clarity or deepening the mystery. In the meantime, searches continue, with authorities committed to exploring every lead in the effort to locate Monalim and ensure justice if foul play is involved.
The Appleton Times will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as new information emerges from official sources.