Kauai Fire Department and Civil Air Patrol rescue personnel searched unsuccessfully for a hiker who was apparently swept away as he attempted to cross Hanakapiai Stream this afternoon.

Witnesses said the man was attempting to cross near the mouth of the stream when he was overcome by waves and swept out to sea. One of the witnesses ran to Kee Beach and alerted a lifeguard, who reported the emergency at 2:55 p.m.

The responding rescue personnel conducted air and sea searches in the area from Kee to Milolii but were hampered by poor weather. The search was suspended at sunset but is scheduled to resume Sunday at sunrise.

The hiker is described as an man of Asian descent between 40 and 50. He was seen wearing dark clothing and a backpack and carrying two hiking sticks. Anyone with information about the hiker’s identity is asked to call Kauai police at 241-4711.