Good Samaritans honored at Fire Commission meeting on Tuesday
LĪHUʻE – The Kauaʻi Fire Department recognized four community members at the Kauaʻi Fire Commission meeting on Tuesday, June 16, for their lifesaving actions that helped save the life of Howard Yamaguchi after he suffered a cardiac arrest during a softball game last summer.
“Today we have the privilege of recognizing four individuals whose actions remind us that ordinary citizens can accomplish extraordinary things when they are prepared, willing to act, and refuse to stand by in a moment of crisis,” said Kauaʻi Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “Their actions demonstrate the tremendous value of CPR training, AED accessibility, and community preparedness. More importantly, they demonstrate compassion, courage, and a willingness to help another human being in their greatest moment of need.”
On the morning of Aug. 5, 2025, members of the LĪhuʻe Aʻs baseball team were gathered at Kalawai Park in Kalāheo for the annual Hawaii Seniors State Softball tournament when Yamaguchi suddenly collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest. The team’s teammates and bystanders immediately recognized that something was wrong, determined that Yamaguchi was unresponsive and without a pulse, and began CPR without hesitation. They retrieved and applied an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which analyzed his heart rhythm and delivered a lifesaving shock.
Because of their calm and decisive actions, Yamaguchi’s heart began beating again before emergency responders arrived. When personnel from the Kauaʻi Fire Department and American Medical Response (AMR) arrived on scene, they found a patient who had regained a pulse and was breathing on his own.
The individuals recognized at Tuesday’s meeting include:
- John Patt
- Jim Leake
- Victor Lawson
- JC Crouch (Coach)
During the meeting, AMR Operations Manager Tina Hamayasu shared the circumstances surrounding the incident and highlighted the critical role that early bystander CPR and AED use played in Yamaguchi’s survival and positive outcome.
“When our crews arrived, Howard was still in critical condition but had a pulse, because bystanders had already started CPR and used the AED,” said Hamayasu. “That allowed us to quickly stabilize him and get him the care he needed. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of early bystander CPR, AED use, and the teamwork that went into caring for Howard. Early intervention made all the difference in his outcome, and it shows what an amazing team we have here on Kauaʻi.”
Yamaguchi, who has since made a full recovery, also addressed those gathered at the meeting.
“I want to thank everyone who stepped in to help me," said Yamaguchi. This is Kauaʻi; that’s what we do, we help each other. I’m grateful to be here.”
When a person’s heart stops beating effectively, every second matters, and survival depends on the immediate actions taken during those first critical moments. The recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of community preparedness, CPR training, and public access defibrillation.
Members of the LĪhuʻe Aʻs senior softball team are recognized for their lifesaving actions alongside Kauaʻi Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson (far left), AMR personnel, and members of the Kauaʻi Fire Commission during the commission’s meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Kauaʻi Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson speaks during the Kauaʻi Fire Commission meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Howard Yamaguchi addresses those gathered at the Kauaʻi Fire Commission meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Yamaguchi survived a cardiac arrest in August 2025 after teammates and bystanders performed CPR and used an AED.
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