LIHUE — Last week, several rescue operations took place, prompting first responders to issue safety warnings for individuals engaging in hiking activities on the island.
Officials from the Kauai Fire Department KFD reported that at approximately 9:25 a.m. on Monday, March 10, a call was received concerning two female hikers stranded on the Kalalau Trail. The women communicated feeling ill and unable to continue their hike due to the trail being washed out by recent showers.
Rescue 3 crews aboard Air 1 helicopter were promptly dispatched to the location. Upon their arrival at the Kalalau Trail, they identified seven stranded hikers who required assistance due to the trail’s compromised condition.
The initial two rescue operations successfully transported four hikers to the Princeville Airport while two first responders remained on-site to assist the other hikers. Due to the presence of strong winds, short-haul extractions were deemed infeasible.
Air 1 briefly paused to refuel before transporting the remaining hikers to the Kee Landing Zone at approximately 1:00 p.m. The helicopter successfully conducted four extraction flights and then returned to Lihue Airport. The scene was cleared shortly after 1:10 p.m.
Four days later, on Friday, March 15, KFD personnel responded to an emergency call at approximately 5:35 p.m. regarding five hikers stranded across a river on the Makaleha Trail amidst rapidly rising water levels.
While en route, personnel from Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 helicopter received another call from dispatch regarding two additional hikers needing assistance further along the same trail. Dispatch also conveyed that the original incident involving five distressed hikers had successfully crossed the river by three individuals, leaving two hikers still requiring rescue.
Air 1 helicopter conducted an additional aerial survey at approximately 5:55 p.m. and successfully extracted two hikers utilizing a short-haul system anchored at the water tank. During the extraction of this couple, the KFD received yet another call from dispatch concerning an older couple experiencing difficulties further along the same trail.
The KFD crew performed a final aerial survey and observed the couple signaling they no longer required assistance. Subsequently, the crews concluded their operations and cleared the scene shortly after 7:10 p.m.
KFD Chief Michael Gibson emphasized the significance of preparedness and exercising caution while engaging in outdoor activities and stated, “We urge everyone planning to hike on our island to exercise caution when crossing rivers, always carry essential safety gear, including flashlights and emergency devices, and remain aware of changing weather conditions.”
“Heavy rainfall and flooding can occur rapidly and significantly impact the integrity of the island’s trails. Rescue operations under these conditions are complex and add a layer of danger for outdoor enthusiasts and our first responders. Mahalo to our rescue crews for their quick and skilled response in ensuring the safety of hikers in both operations,” Gibson said.
For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.
