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DEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
REIKO MATSUYAMA, MANAGING DIRECTOR
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News Release
For Immediate Release: September 9, 2025
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COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I FIRE DEPARTMENT
MICHAEL GIBSON - CHIEF
(808) 241-4980
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Distressed hiker rescued on Kalalau Trail Monday
LĪHU‘E — Personnel from the Kaua‘i Fire Department rescued a 59-year-old Texas visitor from the Kalalau Trail on Monday, September 8.
“We are thankful this rescue ended without injury, but every Air 1 operation carries inherent risks for our crews, particularly in challenging areas like Kalalau,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “Feeling tired or fatigued is a normal part of hiking difficult trails and does not, on its own, require a helicopter evacuation. When rescues are requested for situations that do not require medical attention, those risks become unnecessary. We ask hikers to know their limits, plan ahead, and exercise good judgment before calling for evacuation. Our priority is life safety, and we must ensure resources remain available for true emergencies.”
Personnel with Līhu‘e Fire Station aboard Air 1 responded to the incident shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Monday.
First responders arrived on scene near Hanakoa and discovered the distressed hiker with alleged exhaustion. The distressed hiker was loaded into the helicopter at the Hanakoa landing zone, where they were taken to Princeville Airport. Upon landing at Princeville Airport, the hiker was evaluated by American Medical Response and refused further medical attention.
The scene was cleared shortly after 10:30 a.m.
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Media Contact:
If you are a member of the media with an inquiry for the County of Kaua‘i, its departments or representatives, please email the County of Kaua‘i's Communications Team at CountyPIO@kauai.gov to ensure a timely response to your request. Mahalo!
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