Na Pali crew praised

o the Forum:I am writing to make you aware of an incident that I was

privileged to witness involving Lono Brede and Keone Lake of Na Pali

Catamarans. We were out on a snorkeling tour of the coast on Thursday, Sept.

16, 1999 when a call for help was relayed via passing kayakers to the crew on

Marine band radio. Though we were several miles away, our crew immediately

turned their vessel around and headed back to Hanakapi’ai beach, where Lono

swam ashore to determine the nature of the problem. A tourist had fallen on the

trail and had injured her hand, which was painfully twisted and obviously

broken. She was in shock, yet Lono safely towed her out thorough the rough surf

and onto the vessel. As we headed south, the crew performed first aid, summoned

fire and paramedic assistance, and then expertly delivered the injured hiker

through the reef at Tunnels, where she was towed to shore and met by paramedic

crews. We were then able to resume our tour and had an incredible

afternoon.

I am a 20-year, highly trained “Big City” police sergeant and

long time boater, and have seldom seen any rescue so smoothly executed. Not

only did the crew properly recognize the necessity of an immediate alteration

of the planned tour, but they maintained an excellent rapport with the

passengers and expertly coordinated all aspects of the pickup and “delivery” of

the injured woman. They kept a great sense of humor, and yet there was never

any doubt that their playfulness camouflaged their incredible skill and

perseverance in the face of a deteriorating medical situation. The rescue they

performed was efficient, free of charge, no questions asked, and clearly was

done without thought of any sort of compensation. I believe they are the best

kind of heroes — quiet and competent.

I understand that motor vessel tour

operations of the Na Pali coast (specifically operating out of Hanalei Bay) are

suspended indefinitely, supposedly for “environmental reasons.” I understand

there is no Coast Guard rescue station on the North shore, so the only option

for future response to a situation such as this would be an incredibly

expensive helicopter evacuation, or an arduous overland extraction. Yet, the

services of highly capable local boat crews are ruled out due to arbitrary,

reactionary bureaucratic restrictions.

It is sad to see the one-sided

idiocy displayed by those who make the rules and totally miss the point. The

tour was great- and how lucky local boaters and hikers were to have Keone and

Lono should they ever need help! They exemplify the best that Kaua’i has to

offer, and should be allowed to continue their chosen livelihood. The local

community should acknowledge these two humble heroes, who show visitors what

REAL aloha spirit is all about!

Mike Hahn

California