In response to dozens of hiker-related rescues so far this year, the state has created a safety video for the popular-yet-rugged trail on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Kauai Fire Department and Civil Defense Agency produced a six-minute video posted Friday on the land department’s website to inform hikers of hazards on Kalalau Trail.
So far, the video has been sent to 12 travel and tourism sites, said DLNR spokesman Dan Dennison. Kauai County posted the video on its Facebook page and is expected to add the video to its website early next week.
Kalalau Trail is believed to be the most heavily used hiking trail in Hawaii, attracting about 500,000 visitors and residents each year.
SAFETY TIPS
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources offered the following safety tips when hiking Kalalau Trail:
>> Pack plenty of water.
>> Wear sturdy footwear.
>> Wear sunscreen and a hat.
>> Know your limits. The trail is at times steep, slick and arduous.
>> Do not cross rapidly rising stream waters. Many people have been injured or killed doing so, notably at Hanakapiai Stream.
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In the video, Jerry Rich, Kauai’s east side supervisor of the State Parks Division, said it only takes one misstep for hikers to get injured on the trail. When taking photos or video while hiking, they become inattentive and can easily trip and go over the hillside.
Also, rocks in Hanakapiai Stream are extremely slippery. One false move and a hiker could fall and break a leg or arm, he said.
In the video, the state warns hikers that streams can rise quickly and unexpectedly.
“That’s what catches people off guard,” Rich said in the video. “It can rise in a matter of 30 minutes.”
When that happens, Rich strongly urged hikers not to cross the stream.
“Don’t risk your life. It’s not worth it. Just stay put,” he said noting rescuers will arrive and the stream water level will eventually subside.
On Feb. 22, 2013, Norka Villacorta, 43, of New York, died when she was swept away after she was knocked down by fast-moving waters while attempting to cross the stream before rescuers arrived. Firefighters rescued 54 other hikers who had been stranded due to the flash flood.
A massive rescue occurred in April 2014, when firefighters saved 121 hikers. Rescue crews airlifted 23 hikers on the first day. Rescue specialists stayed overnight with the remaining 98 hikers, who were flown to safety the following morning.
A majority of those rescued in that two-day operation were visitors. Kalalau Trail is featured extensively in travel blogs, websites and guidebooks.
Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kauai Visitors Bureau, said she is happy the state produced the safety video, a vital tool to educate visitors.
“(It’s) a very good first attempt to put something out there and be proactive.”
Kanoho suggested the state add footage to the video of rough, rapid stream waters so the public can view how stream conditions can quickly become dangerous.
To view the video, go to vimeo.com/135624713.
