Personnel from the Kauaʻi Fire Department rescued 19 Nevada visitors — 14 of whom were minors — from the Uluwehi Trail on Thursday, March 19.
All 19 kayakers from Nevada were successfully extracted, and no injuries were reported.
“First and foremost, we are grateful to our Kauaʻi Fire Department personnel for their swift and professional response in safely rescuing all 19 kayakers. Their actions undoubtedly prevented a potentially tragic situation,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “At the same time, this incident serves as an important reminder that entering the water during severe weather conditions places lives at risk — not only for those in the water but also for our first responders.”
Shortly after 2:15 p.m., first responders from the Kapaʻa Fire Station, Rescue 3, responded to a distressed group of unguided kayakers who had become stranded at the first crossing on Uluwehi Trail on the Wailua River.
Crews utilized the kayaks to transport the group across the swollen, fast-moving river and extricate them off the trail to Kamokila Village, where they were transported by the Kauaʻi Fire Department’s new high-water vehicle to Wailua State Park, where the visitors’ vehicles were parked.
Department of Land and Natural Resources and American Medical Response personnel responded to support rescue efforts. The scene was cleared shortly after 5:20 p.m.
“We urge both individuals and businesses that facilitate outdoor activities to exercise sound judgment, take weather warnings seriously, and prioritize safety at all times,” Kawakami added. “Responsibility and preparedness are essential to protecting our community.”
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for all islands of Hawaiʻi beginning 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19, through 6 p.m. Sunday, March 22. Residents and visitors are advised that significant flooding may occur due to overflowing streams and drainages, roads may be closed, property may be damaged in low-lying areas, and landslides are possible in steep terrain.
Several rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected, with the heaviest rain forecast through Saturday for most islands. For safety information and updates, the public is encouraged to monitor the National Weather Service and local authorities.
