PO‘IPU — First responders located a missing hiker in Po‘ipu on Sunday.
PO‘IPU — First responders located a missing hiker in Po‘ipu on Sunday.
No injuries were reported.
According to a county report, first responders received a call from Kaua‘i Police Department dispatch of a missing 16-year-old visitor on the Maha‘ulepu Heritage Trail at approximately 2:35 p.m.
Crews with the Koloa fire station, rescue specialists from Lihu‘e, Air 1, Ocean Safety Bureau and the battalion chief responded to the incident.
At 3:10 p.m., firefighters initiated their search on foot on the trail while OSB personnel conducted their search along the coastline. At 3:15 p.m., Air 1 was activated to conduct an aerial search of the area. At 3:35 p.m., firefighters located the hiker on the trail. According to reports, the hiker became separated from his group, trekked to Maha‘ulepu Beach, and later went back on the path to locate his family.
The county advises that, when planning outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, let others know of intended destination and return time, remain on marked trails, be prepared with rations of food and water in case of emergencies, and stay alert of changes in weather conditions.
