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A paddler in a damaged kayak was rescued in heavy seas Saturday near the tip of the Hilo Bay breakwall, Hawaii County firefighters said.
The man was spotted waving his arms and paddle by a guest at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.
The first of seven rescue units responded at 8:52 a.m. The seven units included Chopper 1, Engine 1, Rescue Boat 2 and a medical team, the county Fire Department said by email.
Chopper 1 arrived on scene to find the man in the water next to the kayak.
He and his kayak were safely brought back to shore at the Wailoa Boat Ramp. The man was not injured.
The area was under high surf warnings issued by the National Weather Service and county Civil Defense.