California couple located safe in Kōke‘e

A missing couple from the mainland have been found safely on Kaua‘i.

The Kaua‘i Police Department report that 27-year-old Joseph Lastovick and 26-year-old Nevin Dizdari, both of California, were located Tuesday morning at the Sugi Grove Campground in Kōke‘e.

“We thank the public for your assistance, and we are relieved that Joseph and Nevin have been located and are safe,” Kaua‘i Police Department Investigative Services Bureau Capt. Paul Applegate said in a press release. “Mahalo to our officers and detectives with the Patrol Services Bureau and (Investigative Services Bureau) for their diligent work.”

After the couple missed their flight back to California on Monday afternoon, police initiated a search and were in contact with their family and friends.

The couple had last been seen at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. They relayed to a friend that they were going hiking in Kōke‘e State Park. They sent a text to a friend at 2 p.m. Sunday asking for directions to Shipwreck’s Beach in Po‘ipū.

The couple did not return to their hotel room on the North Shore and later missed their scheduled 2:30 p.m. flight Monday to Los Angeles International Airport.