LIHUE — The Fire Commission, during its regular meeting on Tuesday, joined the Kauai Fire Department, including the Ocean Safety Bureau, in recognizing two groups of individuals — heroic residents and first responders — for their respective involvement in two lifesaving rescues at two different sites.
“Their swift and courageous actions exemplified the spirit of teamwork,” said Ocean Safety Bureau Operations Chief Kalani Vierra. “These rescues highlight the dedication of our first responders and the importance of community training.”
Described as “just bodyboarders,” Keliimoanakahi Javier, Talon Morales and Xaenyn Yamamoto received their training through participation in the Junior Lifeguard Program. They put the training into action on July 14, when the three young boys and a surf instructor, Chava Greenlee, rescued two boys, ages 10 and 12, who were caught in a strong rip current while swimming at Brennecke’s Beach in Poipu.
The lifeguard towers were closed since the rescue took place before they were open.
The Koloa Fire Station responded to the 911 call from the frantic mother of the two swimmers.
Greenlee, the three young body boarders and Talon Morales’ dad, Brian, rescued the boys and had them on the beach by the time the Koloa Fire Station equipment arrived about four minutes following the call.
“The quick thinking and selfless actions of both the good Samaritans and first responders were critical to the successful outcome of this rescue,” Vierra said.
The Hanalei Pier rescue involved several agencies working together. Personnel from the Ocean Safety Burea included Capt. Tyrus Siale, OSOII Dustin Williams, OSOII Josh Lindstedt, OSOII Kanstanstin “Dash” Dashkevich, OSOII Kesava Davis, Kauai Fire Department Capt. Dane Smith, Firefighter III Jed Smith (retired), and Firefighter I Paul Haraguchi were joined by American Medical Response personnel Paramedic Christopher Whitworth and EMT Christopher Waite.
Shortly after 5:45 p.m. on July 10, bystanders at the Hanalei Pier noticed an unresponsive man floating face down in the water. An off-duty firefighter was among the bystanders, and with the help of others, pulled the man from the water and started administering CPR.
Ocean Safety Bureau officers stationed at the Hanalei Pavilion and Waioli lifeguard towers, roving lifeguards, and firefighters from the Hanalei Fire Station responded to the emergency.
Ocean Safety Bureau Officer Kesava Davis and his team continued CPR and used an AED to stabilize the swimmer. Firefighters applied a Lucas Device for consistent chest compressions, and then AMR personnel transported the man to Wilcox Medical Center in Lihue.
Due to the collective efforts of bystanders and first responders, the man survived. He is nearly fully recovered following a hospital stay of about a month.
Ocean Safety Bureau Officer Josh Linstead noted the importance of the extended hours for OSB personnel that attributed to the success of the July 10 rescue.
“It this took place a few months earlier, most of us would not have been on the beach,” Linstead said. “Thank you to everyone for your support for extending these hours to help save lives.”
Kauai Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson also expressed relief for the extended hours at lifeguarded beaches.
“Far too often, we receive calls for help just after the towers have closed,” Gibson said. “This has been a plus for us, and we are grateful to everyone here for their lifesaving efforts.”
