From sprained ankles to the tragic loss of life. Emergency help comes with staggering costs that Hawaii plans to address.
50 thoughts on “Latest Deadly Kauai/Hawaii Search & Rescues Lead To Pending Legislation”
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Aloha! My husband personally rescued 2 different swimmers on 2 separate days off Kaanapali Beach this past January…very strong under currents pulling you out to sea. The fist incidence I was in deeper water near shore holding onto my 6’4″ hubby-we heard a very faint “help me” female…he went out & I swam to shore with great effort, as I was being pulled back out- ugh! Hubby had wished he went to shore for a board first- met too!!! Guys with board/flipper helped as I alerted shore peeps…
2nd time; guy on a board yells “Help me! Get a Lifeguard!” We yell “swim with the current parallel to shore, there are no lifeguards here”-again my hubby swam to him, this time knowing he had a board to use-everything happens so fast, you kind of just react-discussing with my hubby we decided to always grab a board and/or fins first as we (me) goes for help-the 1st incident above was honestly more risky as I struggled & looked back to see them drifting deeper out praying she would not drown him
More tourists equals more stupid behavior.
Absolutely these people should be charged. Especially when they disobey the warning signs.
Locals pay taxes and services should be provided as such…unless they are trespassing as well.
Chris, I agree that many visitors do not pack their brains when tbey come on vacation but there ate many local and Malahini teens who act equally stupidly. If people ignore warnings or avoid locked gates or fencing they should pay for any costs incurred rescuing them. Whether they live in the Islands or Visit. I like the idea of an insurance card to be required.
Aloha, sad that the taxpayers generally foot the bill for people who refuse to understand their limitations, those who refuse to understand nature and those who refuse to understand the law for their safety. I’m a firm believer in Natural Selection and these people should be paying for their lack of caring about themselves or others who risk their lives to “save” them.
Mahalo.
I find it hard to believe the average air rescue cost 47k each. Are the rescuers being called in on overtime or working there scheduled shifts? Are they counting the cost of owning or lease and maintaining the equipment that they need to have regardless? If obviously cost additional money making these rescues, but Kauai should be honest and not inflate the real numbers in order to enact new laws and taxes.
My parents lived near slippery falls in Kauai. It is closed now and signs of no trespassing due to too many tourists destroying the Falls. It is dangerous however no one respects the signs and many trespass. I believe Kauai needs to enforce a hefty fine for trespassing to save lives and people will think twice before endangering their lives. Tourists believe they can do whateva they want without repercussions. I never got to enjoy slippery Falls due to the no trespassing signs.
Blocking off access to Ke’e created a daily crowd at “Lumahai local” where the stream dumps into the ocean. There are no lifeguards and the ocean is treacherous. Nickname is Luma-die for a reason.
I used to day hike to Kalalau. Exactly 10 miles one-way from Ke’e to Kalalau stream. I called it “the pounder” – pounds your knees and takes 3500 calories. Pay attention to your footing every step; come to complete stop before staring at ocean. Between mile 7-8 markers are the most awesome views.
I think you are totally right about charging people. My son is a fireman and I can’t tell you how many dangerous swift water rescue or other rescue calls he has to go on because of peoples stupidity. Especially when there are hurricanes and people don’t want to leave their homes. Again! Puts my don and other first responders at risk.
Please note the 3 teenagers were local. Also, what happens when someone from Hawaii needs help on the mainland, should we start charging Hawaiians a special fee to rescue or help them. It seems Hawaiians expect mainlanders to pay for everything, but it should go both ways. If you break the law, then it’s a different story, you should pay for the costs, locals and mainlanders.
Our own tax dollars need to provide for residents. Those being rescued need to pay. My husband was injured at work here in HI, a 7-minute ambulance ride to Queens, and the bill we got was 10K *for the ride/services* (before anything else.) Tourists need to heed what they are doing and where they are going. Make better choices, perhaps. Then reimburse the state for rescue efforts provided if needed. We are not a bank account.
Just wondering why your husband, who was injured while working, wasn’t covered by Workmen’s Comp? $10,000 sounds awfully extreme for an ambulance ride, average cost is around $1,200 unless you’re talking air rescue. I agree medical costs are egregious, but again just wondering.
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere to anyone.Those who are otherwise following the rules and warning signs should not be charged for rescue. However, those who suffer injuries or need to be rescued due to not obeying the warning signs should most definitely be charged. Risking your own life, that is one thing, but many of these rescues put the responders in harms way and that is inexcusable. Fines should be posted on the warning signs and perhaps (some) people would make better choices.
Agree completely!! If you don’t adhere to the signs then you should be billed. I live in Arizona and we have the same issue with hikers and drivers who try to drive through flooded washes, creeks etc and then say “I thought I could make it”, called the idiot tax/bill.