Hiker airlifted from Waianae Valley

The Honolulu Fire Department rescued a hiker on the Kumaipo Loop Trail in Waianae Valley in a weakened condition who could not hike out on her own. The hiker was found very weak, and had previously vomited several times, HFD said in a news release. HFD got the 911 call at 5:21 p.m. Thursday. The first firefighters were on scene at 5:39 p.m., approximately 2 miles from the trailhead. Air 1 arrived and brought a rescue specialist, who made contact with the patient at 6:11 p.m. She was airlifted to Kaneaki Neighborhood Park where Emergency Medical Services received her at 6:26 p.m. She was taken in stable condition to the hospital. The remaining hikers of her group hiked out on their own. HFD recommends hikers learn about the trail prior to the hike, the degree of difficulty, and compare one’s fitness, ability and experience with the trail description.
Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Experts Forecast A Destructive Wildfire Season In Hawaii This Year

About two-thirds of Hawaii’s acreage is abnormally dry, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, setting the stage for what local wildfire experts predict could be an extraordinarily active wildfire season in the islands. People tend to think of the western United States when conjuring images of devastating wildfires. But as a percent of total land area, Hawaii’s wildfires burn as much or more land each year than any other state, studies show. Last week a 1,400-acre brush fire that swept through guinea grass and eucalyptus trees in Paauilo on the Big Island did not torch any homes, but authorities said it was a close call. Wildfire experts and climate forecasters are predicting a particularly dry summer ahead, which could lead to an especially bad wildfire season. A small fraction of land statewide — less than 1% on the Big Island’s west side — is already in severe drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Honolulu Civil Beat