First responders honored for brave actions during treacherous late December 2024 nighttime Wanini rescue

Several Garden Isle first responders were honored Tuesday during the Kaua’i County Fire Commission meeting by Kaua‘i Fire Department for putting their own safety at risk to save the lives of two kayakers the day after Christmas last year.

The following first responders were honored Tuesday:

Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau

• Ocean Safety Officer Kesava Davis.
• Ocean Safety Officer Mattaniah Milbrand.

Kaua‘i Fire Department Līhu‘e Fire Station, Station 1

• Capt. Chauncey Pa.
• Firefighter Edward Pananganan.
• Firefighter Ryan Allen.
• Firefighter Matthew Mauricio.

Emergency crews, including Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau officers and Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel, responded the night of Dec. 26, 2024, at Wanini in Hanalei to rescue a man and woman who were kayaking and got caught in the ‘Anini back channel in a powerful rip current during a high surf advisory.

A witness who called 9-1-1 said the kayakers were being pulled farther out to sea and were in distress.

Ocean Safety Bureau personnel with the North Rove Patrol team launched their rescue ski from Hanalei Bay. At the same time, Hanalei Fire Station firefighters arrived at Sirens Channel, where they met the 9-1-1 caller and concerned bystanders.

First responders upon their arrival saw the kayakers struggling against the current beyond the breaking waves.

The man had managed to reach the edge of the reef, holding his position, but the woman was being repeatedly overturned by large waves and pulled farther out to sea.

Hazardous surf conditions and darkness setting in forced Ocean Safety Bureau personnel to execute a high-risk maneuver to get to the kayakers, carefully navigating around the reef because of low tide.

They reached the woman, pulled her onto the rescue ski and abandoned her kayak for safety purposes.

The team then determined returning through ‘Anini’s boat channel was too dangerous given the poor visibility and treacherous conditions. Instead, they transported her via ski to the Hanalei Bay boat ramp, where personnel with American Medical Response performed a medical evaluation.

Meanwhile, a firefighter paddled on a board to reach the man, informing him that the woman was safe. He then guided the kayaker safely back to shore.

Although the man declined medical attention, he was concerned about recovering the lost kayak. Emergency personnel prioritized reuniting him with the rescued individual, ensuring both were safe.

Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson said the department and community are deeply grateful to all of the first responders for their brave actions that fateful late December night.

“This challenging nighttime rescue, executed in near-total darkness, powerful surf and relentless currents, demonstrated exceptional bravery, skill and teamwork,” said Gibson. “The swift and decisive actions of these first responders played a crucial role in preventing what could have been a tragic outcome.”