Firefighters conduct multiple rescues on Sunday

Published on April 15, 2024

Kaua‘i Fire Department firefighters conducted multiple rescues on Sunday.

“We are grateful to our first responders for all their work during this recent severe weather event,” said Fire Chief Michael Gibson. “It is critical to avoid outdoor activities during heavy rain and inclement weather. It puts our emergency personnel and recreational enthusiasts at great risk and danger.”

The island of Kaua‘i was hammered with severe weather conditions starting Thursday evening, prompting officials with the National Weather Service to issue multiple Flash Flood Warnings, watches, and advisories through Sunday.

The first incident involved three O'ahu hikers rescued from the Blue Hole Trail in Wailua.

No injuries were reported.  

According to a preliminary report, KFD personnel received a report shortly after 12:35 p.m. of three hikers stranded at the Blue Hole Trail in Wailua.

Personnel with the Kapa‘a fire station, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, and American Medical Response responded to the incident.

Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 arrived on scene shortly before 1 p.m. and made contact with the hikers. The hikers were short-hauled to a landing zone at the trailhead and were later transported to awaiting medics and firefighters at the Keahua Stream Bridge Parking lot.

 The hikers declined medical transport.

 Firefighters cleared the scene at approximately 1:55 p.m.

 The second rescue involved nine hikers who were rescued from the Waimea Canyon in Kōke‘e.

No injuries were reported.

 KFD personnel received a report of nine hikers stranded in Waimea Canyon near Hipalau Camp at approximately 5 p.m.

 Personnel with the Waimea fire station and Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 responded to the incident.

 After Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 discovered the hikers, first responders shuttled two hikers at a time to the landing zone at Kukui Trail to awaiting personnel from the Waimea fire station.

 The scene was cleared shortly before 7:10 p.m.

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