KAILUA-KONA — Twelve days of a perfect honeymoon in paradise were tainted on the last day for Boston newlyweds after their belongings, including a camera with hundreds of photos, were stolen from Kahaluu Beach Park in Kailua-Kona earlier this week.
KAILUA-KONA — Twelve days of a perfect honeymoon in paradise were tainted on the last day for Boston newlyweds after their belongings, including a camera with hundreds of photos, were stolen from Kahaluu Beach Park in Kailua-Kona earlier this week.
“The last moment we were there, someone had to do this to us,” said husband Mike Abboud.
Abboud and his bride, Lova Sun, went to the park at 7:15 a.m. 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 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 couple told police they left the car keys in their bag next to a pavilion. Also inside the bag were Abboud’s wallet, credit card, camera and cellphone.
The vehicle was recovered later that day at End of the World but the couple’s property was not.
While the rest of the property is replaceable, they are particularly heartsick about the loss of their camera, a Canon EOS Rebel T3, and SD card that documented their trip.
Abboud said they had hundreds of pictures they took while on their honeymoon.
This was the first time Abboud’s wife had 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 also was taken.
Sun posted about the theft on the Big Island Thieves Facebook page and 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 contain 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 Department Sgt. Roylen Valera said beach thefts happen periodically. To avoid them, he suggests that property never be left unattended or always be in the line of sight.
Anyone with information about the stolen camera or wants to return the SD card can call the police nonemergency line at 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
Information about the stolen camera also can be emailed to Abboud and Sun at eagles9090@hotmail.com.
Email Tiffany DeMasters at tdemasters@westhawaiitoday.com.