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DEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
REIKO MATSUYAMA, MANAGING DIRECTOR
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News Release
For Immediate Release: October 30, 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 Wednesday
LĪHU‘E — Personnel from the Kaua‘i Fire Department rescued a 57-year-old male Kaua‘i resident from the Kalalau Trail on Wednesday, October 29, after he reported being unable to hike out due to a rapidly worsening infection from an apparent spider bite.
At approximately 9:44 a.m., KFD dispatch received a text-to-911 message from the hiker indicating that the infection had spread and he was experiencing fever and weakness, rendering him unable to safely self-evacuate.
Personnel with the Līhu‘e Fire Station aboard Air 1 responded to the incident shortly before 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday.
First responders arrived on scene at the Kalalau Beach landing zone and discovered the hiker, who was ambulatory but in visible distress. Rescuers medically assessed the hiker at the scene and loaded him into the helicopter, where he was taken to the Waimea softball field. Upon landing at the Waimea softball field, the hiker was transferred to Waimea fire station personnel and American Medical Response, who then transported him to a local hospital for further medical care.
The scene was cleared shortly after 10:55 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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