Question: I was eating dinner as a helicopter nearby flew over the Stairway to Heaven searching for a missing hiker, and I got to thinking: The military has a number of heat-seeking devices, which might be useful in such search and rescue missions. If there is such a device in Hawaii or could be brought in quickly, why wouldn’t it be used to try and save a life?

Answer: Thanks to the Navy, such technology is available, and was utilized in the search for 18-year-old Daylenn Pua, who was last seen Feb. 26, when he told his family he was going to hike the Haiku Stairs (aka Stairway to Heaven).

"First and foremost, our heartfelt thoughts are with (Pua’s) family," said Bill Doughty, deputy director of public affairs for Navy Region Hawaii. "We were grateful for the opportunity to assist in the search for Daylenn."

Family and friends are continuing the search, but the Honolulu Fire Department and Navy have suspended their searches.

Doughty said Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 (HSM-37) crews are ready to support search efforts "under the right conditions and authority," if requested by local or federal authorities.

In this case the Federal Aviation Administration requested the Navy’s help.

"The FAA representative was familiar with the ongoing third-party civilian search for the hiker, as well as the capabilities of HSM-37," Doughty explained.

"Because funds were already allocated for routine ‘Search and Rescue’ (SAR) training and because there were no other aircraft in the limited airspace at the time, HSM-37 was able to provide support on March 4," Doughty said.

In consultation with HFD, two helicopters, six aviators and 12 maintenance personnel participated in the search as part of scheduled SAR training flights.

Among other things, HFD provided information and data on the location of previous search efforts to help refine and concentrate the Navy’s search, Doughty said.

He also explained that the squadron is equipped with the Multispectral Targeting System, which uses advanced infrared technology and electro-optical systems imagery to differentiate between "what is hot and what is not hot."

"MTS is an integral part of surface search and identification operations by MH-60R helicopters," while HSM squadrons routinely use the MTS for search and rescue operations, Doughty said.

But, though HSM-37 crews are capable of overland search and rescue, he said their skills are usually needed in maritime missions.

"While it is relatively rare to use military assets for civilian searches, the Navy and Coast Guard train and work together when called upon to assist where and when possible and always in full cooperation with federal, state and city and county officials," Doughty said.

Book Borrowing

Reader Al Keali’i Chock said he enjoyed the information shared about circulation trends at the public libraries in Thursday’s "Kokua Line" but wanted to point out one other service offered that was not mentioned.

When you "register" your library card for use of the Hawaii State Public Library System’s Web catalog, you can search for when the book has been delivered to your local library for pickup, he said. You also get an email notification.

"It’s a terrific service which some people don’t know about!" Chock said. "My most recent book came from Kohala. I live in Kaneohe."

Mahalo

To my unknown neighbor on Pamaele Street/Paopua Loop. I greatly appreciate your kindness during a recent windstorm. Thank you for finding the pieces of my shed and stacking them so nicely in my front yard. While I will never know where they flew off to, I was able to put the shed back together because you took the time to locate me and return the pieces. — M.

Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.