This recovery started out by a referral from one of Hawaii’s known Ringfinders Joe Au’ franz who called me and asked if I was available to help search for a lost gold chain in the ocean on the North Shore. I received the information I needed to contact Jojo Aka Mom and called her to let her know I’m gathering my gear and will be heading out to meet them. As I was on the road I decided to call and get details. Jojo informed me that Her and her husband Alan are on their way to the beach also with scoop nets to try and help their son Justin who actually lost it the moment he dove into the water which was in waist to chest deep. When I got to the location Jojo sent Justin to the parking lot to meet me and show me to the place in where he believes the chain will be. As I get closer to the waters edge I see Alan Justin dad in the water looking. I asked Justin as we stood on the beach looking out at the water a few important questions regarding his recollection of the event and I gathered as much information as possible. There was surf and the tide started to change. So I knew this was gonna be a task. It’s been close to 3 hours since the drop and with our currents and surf a big thick gold chain can move around so I needed to get out in the surf quick as the day was coming to an end. I turned on the Minelab equinox and head out to where Justin recalls him losing the chain. I start my search and being diligent to grid very carefully all the while dodging waves as they pound over me. After a few passes I notice the chain is not where Justin remembers. I call Justin into the water to ask a few more questions and got a little more information. So I started another approach… outside of the surf zone there is a drop off and since the tide is going out there could be a chance of it rolling into the deeper water. I carefully followed the trench line and came up short! Not a single tone. I needed to move quickly because time is of the essence. So, I start to go into shallower water and that’s where I started to get a lot of targets. Many sounding like Gold but to only find old aluminum and trash. As I continue to look in the shallow water I notice out of the corner of my eye Justin looking at me. It’s not a look of excitement but of HEY RINGFINDER… your in the wrong place. And knowing that look started to play with my mind. One part of me wants to please Justin and go back to the place he thinks but my knowledge of the ocean and metal detecting got the better of me and I turned away from looking towards Justin and continued to search the shallow waters. As I was in knee to ankle deep water I hear the tone of what could be Gold. I turn back over my shoulders to look at the family and as they were all looking towards me with many emotions I decided to turn away and dig this target. After the first scoop I see a huge gold chain slide out of the side of the scoop and fall back into the water. With excitement I turn to the family and yell… WE GOT IT! I put my had in the water a pull out Justin’s huge Gold 10mm chain. The family on the beach all screamed with joy as I held up the chain in the air to show what was lost is now found! People on the beach were looking as the family and I celebrated the recovery. Another beautiful day here in paradise a place we call home. Mahalo for the referral brother joe!
Thank you thank you thank you Kai from the bottom of our hearts. Kai did not have to go out of his way to help us coming from Pearl City all the way to Hau’ula on a Friday late afternoon in traffic to come to our rescue but because the type of man, brother, person that he is he did. Not only did he find my sons chain but we found an awesome man, person, friend for dear life. Such a nice man loved learning what little time that we shared about him and his family and his passion. Thank you Jesus for bringing us together! Would also like to thank Joe for the referral hope your back is feeling better. I will recommend you guys to anyone who needs your help!!!! Lots of Love, Lopes’ Ohana