A kayaker who was at sea for a week and twice refused U.S. Coast Guard personnel’s attempts to assist him, was brought back to Kaua’i Thursday, thanks in part to leaders at Holo Holo Charters of Port Allen. Tracy Vierra,
A kayaker who was at sea for a week and twice refused U.S. Coast Guard personnel’s attempts to assist him, was brought back to Kaua’i Thursday, thanks in part to leaders at Holo Holo Charters of Port Allen.
Tracy Vierra, general manager of Holo Holo Charters, said Matthew Davidson set out last Thursday to kayak to Ni’ihau, which she said apparently holds a special fascination for him.
Charter boat captain Chris Bane and crew member Amy Ruffin brought Davidson home with no struggle.
She said Davidson was met, arrested, and handcuffed by Kaua’i Police Department (KPD) officers. According to police arrest records, Davidson, 31, who gave police an Anahola address, was charged with first-degree criminal trespassing. Bail was set at $100.
Vierra said Holo Holo officials came to play a part when a Kaua’i Fire Department firefighter friend of Davidson’s who was concerned about him, contacted them. Vierra also spoke with Davidson’s parents.
Vierra said Holo Holo crew members have helped in other emergency situations, but not to this extent.
“He was surprised to be arrested. He thought he was just on a journey,” said Vierra, who said Davidson seemed to be in good condition.
“His parents (in California) and friends were very worried about him.”
Lt. Cmdr. Todd Offutt of the U.S. Coast Guard said a helicopter crew had been dispatched to check on Davidson both Tuesday and Wednesday, and on both occasions Davidson declined assistance.
Offutt said Coast Guard officials made the determination that Davidson was not in distress, but were still monitoring radio communications pursuant to the matter, and also contacted KPD.
Vierra noted that Davidson had once tried to swim to Ni’ihau, which is owned by members of the Robinson family.
On Wednesday, Davidson was spotted on Lehua Island off Ni’ihau.
Vierra said Bane had been out in the area with a full boat of passengers Wednesday, and searched for Davidson for 30 minutes.
