China Walls and Spitting Caves are spots in East Honolulu that not only offer picturesque views, but are also some of the most dangerous areas in the state.
Because of these locations’ history of accidents and injuries, Honolulu Ocean Safety, the Honolulu Fire Department and United States Coast Guard chose these areas as the backdrop for an annual joint training exercise Thursday morning.
“We have a high volume of calls in this area,” said Honolulu Ocean Safety lieutenant David Loui.
“A lot of it is related to cliff rescues, people jumping off cliffs and unable to get out of the water. High surf, lot of scuba, underwater missing divers, kayakers getting blown out.”
The city and federal agencies launched a coordinated effort by sea, land and air at Maunalua Bay for a rescue drill that centered on two missing paddlers.
The US Coast Guard says communication across the board couldn’t be more seamless.