CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM
Debris left from the accident on Nimitz Highway that had traffic crawling for hours on Thursday.
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Drivers who were stuck in traffic Thursday night, as Hawaiian Electric Co. crews worked to replace a hobbled utility pole on Nimitz Highway, have some studying to do now. A scan of a street map might help — or their favorite GPS app, the one they neglected to turn on when a section of Nimitz was closed for hours.
Even without an app, those who have learned the back roads of Honolulu were the ones who knew how to snake their way around to an escape hatch. Most of the time it’s fine to follow one’s habitual route — but having a Plan B, C and D? Essential at times like these.
You can’t be too careful on Hawaii’s remote trails
Another tragedy and another reminder of the dangers of Hawaii’s trails: A 29-year-old man died Thursday after falling about several hundred feet from Punaluu’s difficult Castle Trail, which is closed to the public. Six other hikers were airlifted to safety.
Around the same time, two hikers attempting to access Haiku Stairs — also closed to the public — also got in trouble.
Both incidents required helicopter rescue and recovery operations by the Honolulu Fire Department. So be forewarned: Some Hawaii trails are closed for good reason. Please, be careful out there.