KAILUA-KONA — Twelve days of a perfect honeymoon in paradise was tainted on the last day for a newlywed Boston couple after their property, including a camera with hundreds of photos, was stolen from Kahaluu Beach Park earlier this week.
KAILUA-KONA — Twelve days of a perfect honeymoon in paradise was tainted on the last day for a newlywed Boston couple after their property, including a camera with hundreds of photos, was stolen from Kahaluu Beach Park earlier this week.
“The last moment we were there, someone had to do this to us,” said newlywed Mike Abboud.
Abboud and his bride Lova Sun went to the park at 7:15 a.m. on Monday and were flying out later that afternoon. Abboud said they wanted to get one final snorkel in with the sea turtles before returning to the mainland.
When they got out of the water, Abboud said, everything they had brought to the beach was taken, including their rental vehicle. All they had was their swimsuits.
A police report indicates the theft occurred between 7:15 and 7:30 a.m. The victims told police they left the car keys within their bag next to a pavilion. Inside the bag was also Abboud’s wallet, credit card, camera and cellphone.
The vehicle was recovered later that day at End of the World. However, the couple’s property was not found with it.
While the rest of the property is replaceable, they are particularly heartsick over the loss of their camera, a Canon EOS Rebel T3, and SD card that documented their trip.
Abboud said they had hundreds of pictures of their honeymoon.
This was the first time Abboud’s wife had ever been to the Hawaiian Islands.
“Hawaii is a beautiful and magical place,” Sun said. “It was jarring to have this happen on the last day. It was awful and senseless.”
After it happened, the couple said, other beachgoers were sympathetic. One person gave her something to cover up with as her beach dress was also taken.
Sun posted about the theft on Big Island Thieves Facebook page, she said the outpouring of support has been overwhelming.
“Everything pales in comparison to the memories we so desperately want back,” she said.
Abboud said the thief can keep his wallet, his cellphone and even the camera. All they want is the SD card with the pictures that holds their Hawaiian memories.
“We’re holding out the last slivers of hope that the pictures are still in existence and that they’ll be returned,” Sun said.
Hawaii police Sgt. Roylen Valera said beach thefts do happen periodically. To avoid them he suggests that property never be left unattended or always be in the line of sight.
Valera said there are now things on the market that help secure items.
“Criminals tend to look for the ease of taking things,” he said.
Anyone with information on the stolen camera or wishes to return the SD card can call the police anonymously at Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
Abboud and Sun also provided an email address where information about the stolen camera can be sent to eagles9090@hotmail.com.
For additional information on how to contact police, visit www.hawaiipolice.gov.