HFD: Fourteen Rescued at Lalakea Trail

The Hawai’i County Fire Department responded to 14 ATV tour group members who were stranded along Lalakea Trail in Honoka’a Monday.

Just before 4 p.m., HFD personnel responded to the call for assistance. Crews arrived at 4:22 p.m., where they found a tour group separated in two stranded in high water after flash flooding.

Air and ground units were used to rescue the trapped individuals. Fire personnel aboard Chopper 1 grabbed the trapped tour members and swung them to the safe side of the flooding, where HFD personnel on ground were waiting. All 14 people were then led to safety.

No injuries were reported.

Fire officials warn the public of the potential dangers of participating in backcountry activities during stormy weather. Weather conditions can change quickly and maintaining good situational awareness is important.