This ring hunt began in May 2015 when I responded to a craigslist ad from Colorado native Justin (Bud) Downer who lost his Gold Wedding Band while snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. I filed a Special Activity Permit to Metal Detect in the waters of Hanauma Bay sand areas only. After approval I went to work looking for Bud’s ring. I was unsuccessful finding Bud’s wedding band however found other rings. A few months later in August I acquired another permit to search for another White Gold Wedding Band. This was right after Hurricane Guillermo waves pummeled the east shore of Oahu and into Hanauma Bay. Don Bryant my fellow ring finder came along with me on this hunt and low and behold he found Bud’s ring in the vicinity Bud sent to us on a Google Earth map. We both think the turbulence created by the hurricane pushed the ring off the reef and into the sandy area as I searched the sandy area very thoroughly the first time. Needless to say Bud was pleasantly surprised when I informed him of Don’s successful search. Currently I have 4 ring search requests for Hanauma Bay however they have stopped issuing permits. Its awful when I have to tell tourists and locals I’m no longer permitted. We are hoping that the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) changes their mind in the near future so I can put a few more smiles on faces. Aloha to Bud.
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