Multiagency Search Underway for Two Missing Kauaʻi Men

Two separate multiagency searches are underway off Kauaʻi for missing men Bryson Higashi, 44, and Kyle Barrett, a Princeville resident. Higashi was last seen about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday near Hanalei and is believed to have been freediving; his truck was found unattended near Hanalei Bay, and he is described as about 5'10–5'11" and 180–200 pounds. Barrett was last seen about 7:30 p.m. near the Queen’s Bath trailhead and is described as roughly 6'4" and 210 pounds, wearing a white Aloha shirt, dark shorts and sunglasses. The U.S. Coast Guard — deploying a 45-foot response boat, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, an HC-130 airplane and the cutter William Hart — is coordinating searches with Kauaʻi Police, Kauaʻi Fire Department, Kauaʻi Search and Rescue and other state agencies. On-scene conditions include 15 mph winds, 2–4 foot seas, occasional showers and reduced visibility; anyone with information should contact Kauaʻi Police Dispatch at 808-241-1711 or Coast Guard Sector Honolulu at 808-842-2600 or on VHF-FM Channel 16.