Editorial: More rescues of hikers by Honolulu Fire Department

Five visitors from San Francisco get lost on the Maunawili Falls Trail at night. The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) sends four unit and 12 rescuers, who start hiking at 8:29 p.m. They find the hikers (all adults), in the dark with no flashlights. They are escorted off the trail. There were no injuries, luckily.

HFD sends 16 rescuers and a helicopter to the Ehukai Pillbox Trail after a call for help for two visitors from New York. Firefighters start hiking shortly after 8 p.m., and the helicopter puts a rescue specialist on the trail. He finds the hikers, who were uninjured, in dense foliage. They are escorted on foot to the trailhead.

A 911 call sends 12 HFD rescuers to find two lost hikers, both local residents, on the Lulumahu Trail in Nuuanu. The hikers are found before 6 p.m. and are airlifted off the trail. Neither had drinking water.

Those were just three of the search-and-rescue operations reported by HFD in the last seven days. Others included a downed aircraft off Maili Point; swimmers in distress at Ala Moana and off Hawaii Kai; and hikers in distress or injured on Diamond Head Trail, Lanikai Pillbox Trail and Kaau Crater trail.

Anecdotally, the waning of COVID-19 seems to have released a pent-up desire to enjoy what makes Hawaii special — its unique natural assets, from high ridgeline hikes with spectacular views to swimming in the sea. The most popular attractions are reportedly jam-packed with residents as well as restless visitors.

Unfortunately, the lure of Hawaii’s outdoors has put a heavier burden on the city’s rescue teams. HFD reported this week that it conducted 348 rescues so far this year, an average of two land or ocean rescues per day. In 2019, the first six months saw 259 rescues and 524 for the year. In 2020, amid the pandemic, there were 213 incidents in the first six months.

Of course, responding to distress calls, prepared for a worst-case scenario, is both necessary and prudent. It’s also very expensive, and puts rescue crews at risk. But proper preparation by outdoors enthusiasts can replace the need for a 911 call.

On land, the rules are simple: Stay on the (sanctioned) trail, bring plenty of water and cell-phone chargers, don’t hike at night, wear proper shoes and don’t hike alone. On the ocean: Stay within your swimming abilities, avoid strong currents and waves, keep off wet rocks.

As any Boy Scout can tell you, it’s not rocket science. Be safe out there.